In her first Australian engagement, UK organist Anna Lapwood commands the famed Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ in two solo recitals, before appearing with Sydney Symphony Orchestra in two different programs. The first features Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony under Alexander Soddy; the second, conducted by André de Ridder, includes the Australian premieres of two works written for Lapwood – Max Richter’s Cosmology (co-commissioned by the SSO) and Kristina Arakelyan’s Toccata. A Sydney Opera House recital showcases Lapwood’s genre-crossing approach, with music ranging from Bach, Gounod and Britten to Olivia Belli, Philip Glass, Alan Menken, Rachel Portman, John Williams and Hans Zimmer, while education events include a masterclass, a schools concert with the SSO and a workshop for young players at Christ Church St Laurence, Sydney.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

City of Melbourne is proud to announce the debut Australian performances by world famous UK organist Anna Lapwood.

Anna Lapwood MBE is one of the UK’s most dynamic ambassadors for classical music. As the official organist of the Royal Albert Hall, she has broken down genre boundaries and introduced a huge new audience to the organ.

Anna has reached audiences far beyond the classical mainstream with her striking blend of musicianship, enthusiasm and charm, and eloquent artistry. In demand worldwide as concerto soloist and recitalist, she has attracted over two million social media followers and regularly connects with listeners as a presenter on BBC Radio and Television, and Classic FM.

Her discography as an exclusive SONY Classical artist continues to grow, most recently with the 2025 release of Firedove, an album of original compositions and works freshly arranged for organ.

In Spring 2025, Anna was included in the annual Sunday Times Young Power List, celebrating the 30 most powerful people under 30 in the UK. A recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Gamechanger award, Anna completes her transformational decade as Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge in August 2025 with an all-night BBC Prom at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where she holds the position of Resident Organist.