Anna Lapwood: International Women’s Day

Anyone who is familiar with the organ is familiar with Anna Lapwood, and anyone who is not already, ought to familiarise themselves with one of Britain's most underrated national treasures. As a musician Anna is flawless, her extensive and throughly impressive past work speaks for itself before her fingers even grace her grand instrument, hence her well earned title of the Royal Albert Hall's official organist. However, what sets Lapwood apart from other musicians is the music beyond what she plays — it is her charm and the welcoming atmosphere she generates which makes for such an inviting and warm concert, which is a sharp contrast to the traditional connotations of a classical concert.

During the concert, Anna plays a diverse range of pieces to keep all audiences entertained. The repertoire includes classical pieces such as "Limina Luminis" (Olivia Belli), but also the more well known audience favourites such as "This Woman's Work" (Kate Bush), and music from classic film series including The Lord of the Rings (Howard Shore) and Pirates of the Caribbean (Hans Zimmer). The focus on female composers ties the concert back to International Women's Day, as Anna gives their names and their works the opportunity to shine, humbly presenting herself more as the vessel for their talent rather than spotlighting herself. The addition of inspiring female guests to support the selection includes Katie Melua and Jess Gillam who add to the awe by bringing their own supreme skills to compliment Anna in her work.  A notable addition to some of the pieces shines through the inclusion of the Pembroke College Girls' Choir — aged 8-14 and previously taught by Anna herself they are a testament to her teaching, but also are living proof of her legacy and the next generation of women in male dominated fields (choristers and organists) she has inspired.

The program is carefully curated and thematic throughout, and the audience is never left wondering what they are about to hear as Anna goes above and beyond her role as organist as she explains why each piece is included, the meaning of the music, what the audience should look out for, and how everyone should feel and varied points throughout. Her warmth and excitement in providing context is what makes her concerts so delightful — she takes the audience on a journey with every piece and by providing information, she removes all the snobbery from classical music, allowing anyone to enter and enjoy whether they are familiar with the pieces or styles featured, or they are oblivious to all things classical music. With every movement of music, Anna gives the audience the tools not just to listen to the music but to hear the story.

To many, the thought of an organ concert may seem scary and outdated but Lapwood makes an instrument from the 3rd Century feel exciting today as her personality and skillset shine as bright her shiny signature attire. With screens either side of her visible, one showing her hands and the other showing her feet, it is truly remarkable how she simultaneously makes playing the organ look in equal parts effortless and impossible. A testament to women everywhere, there is nothing more inspirational than watching one woman command such a huge space, holding such a tight grasp on everyone's attention.

Anyone lucky enough with opportunity to watch the legend that is Anna Lapwood must do so — whether they are organ fanatic or new to the genre — as she is the best in the business, and if you weren't a fan before you certainly will be when you leave.

Theatre: Royal Albert Hall

Reviewer: Faith Blackden

Date: 08/03/2026

Star: 5