2026 YTOC Winner

Jack Morton

Jack's passion for the theatre organ started at the age of 10 after seeing YouTube videos of Robert Wolfe at the Thursford Collection. In the summer of 2019, his parents took him to visit the collection to hear a theatre organ for the first time. In 2021, he visited the Astoria Centre in Barnsley where he was able to finally play a theatre organ for the first time.

Jack had classical organ lessons from 2021 to learn the basic playing techniques of the organ, but taught himself theatre organ stylings on the side. In 2024, Jack and his organ teacher came to a mutual agreement to part ways after Jack's playing style shifted closer towards the theatre organ. He has now been teaching himself theatre organ techniques, along with guidance from several other organists.

His biggest influence in the theatre organ world is Simon Gledhill, a true master of harmony. Jack has been lucky to hear Simon many times in concert , and has received some guidance from him. He is also influenced by organists Lyn Larsen, Jelani Eddington, and many others.