Christ's Hospital hosts Anna Lapwood MBE- An organ recital to remember
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
On Saturday the 4th of October, Christ's Hospital school was thrilled to welcome Anna Lapwood MBE to perform on their recently renovated organ and lead a choir workshop for the students.
Anna is the official organist of the Royal Albert Hall and the Artist in Association with the BBC singers but her list of expertise doesn't stop there.
She is also well-known for her tens of millions of views on social media and for being included in the Sunday Times Young Power List which celebrated the 30 most powerful people under the age of 30.
Until recently, she was the youngest director of Pembroke College, Cambridge and was the first female to be awarded an organ scholarship in the 560-year history of Magdalen College, Oxford.
This musician is truly an inspiration to many, both on and off stage. Over the years, the outstanding organist had to overcome some difficulties of performance anxiety in order to pursue her passion.
Therefore, it is essential for her to be prepared physically and mentally. Anna achieves this by journaling, swimming and using breathing techniques before a performance.
Anna’s passion to perform was developed by her love of film music and her personal arrangements.
An example of this was Anna's arrangement of Hans Zimmer's Suite from Pirates of the Caribbean in Saturday’s concert, which received a standing ovation and was described as ‘simply brilliant’ by one of the students of Christ's Hospital.
After the concert, Anna was greeted with a stream of audience members, who were overflowing with questions and compliments.
On Sunday, the school’s chapel choir thoroughly enjoyed Anna's insightful workshop and enthusiasm for music. One member of the choir stated that it was ‘an extremely helpful and inspiring experience.’
During this workshop, the choir focused on an unfamiliar song called Seek Him that Maketh the Seven Stars where Anna went through key sections with the choir to enhance the musicality and interpretation of the piece.
After, the CH students enjoyed a farewell brunch where Anna patiently answered any further questions from the students.
For all concerned, the weekend was a huge success and a musically enriching experience.
