From its beginnings in 1980 as the Dublin International Organ Festival, Pipeworks has brought to Irish audiences a diverse programme of music-making with the organ at its centre, fully exploiting not only the wonderful range of instruments to be found in Ireland, but the splendid cathedrals, churches and concert halls which house them.

Since 1980 Pipeworks has mounted fifteen major ten-day festivals, centred on the International Organ Competition which attracts young virtuosi from every corner of the world. These festivals have secured Ireland a respected position in the international organ-playing scene and enhanced the appreciation of Irish audiences for the King of Instruments, its unique and thrilling repertoire and the extraordinary talent of its players.

With the new artistic director David Leigh at the helm, Pipeworks continues to explore Ireland’s organ heritage, and develop an education and outreach programme designed to introduce people to the organ, nurturing young talent and helping local communities showcase their own instruments. Pipeworks continues to present ground-breaking series of complete works, including those of J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Dieterich Buxtehude and Olivier Messiaen, as well as the complete organ symphonies of Louis Vierne; all given by organists resident in Ireland.