Christ’s Hospital Welcomes Anna Lapwood for Organ Recital and Workshop

Christ’s Hospital was delighted to welcome Anna Lapwood MBE for the annual Catherine Ennis (Old Blue) Memorial Recital on Saturday 4 October, followed by a choral workshop for students the next day.

Anna’s recital, performed on the school’s magnificent Rushworth and Dreaper organ, drew a full house of more than 500 ticketed guests from the public alongside pupils and staff. A wide range of Christ’s Hospital musicians – and non-musicians alike – were inspired by her captivating performance and unique programme, which ranged from John Williams’ Duel of the Fates to Hans Zimmer’s Pirates of the Caribbean suite, and included transcriptions and contemporary works by composers such as Rachel Portman, Olivia Belli and Benjamin Britten.

The response to Anna’s performance was uproariously enthusiastic, with audience members praising both the technical brilliance and emotional power of the recital. Anna herself expressed how much she enjoyed the evening, commenting on the warmth of the Christ’s Hospital community and the special atmosphere of the school Chapel.

The following day, Anna led a workshop with the Chapel Choir, sharing insights into choral expression and collaboration. Her visit proved hugely inspirational for the school’s 15 organ students and for members of the choir, who relished the opportunity to speak with her after the concert and again over Sunday brunch.

‘Anna’s visit was not only a huge pleasure and a privilege but also a wonderful celebration of music-making at Christ’s Hospital’ said Head and CEO of Christ’s Hospital, Matthew Judd. ‘Her artistry, energy and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on every single one of us.’

Anna Lapwood MBE is one of the UK’s most recognisable classical musicians – an organist, conductor and broadcaster, and the official organist of the Royal Albert Hall. Included in The Sunday Times 2025 Young Power List, she is Artist in Association with the BBC Singers and recently completed a decade as Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge, culminating in an all-night BBC Prom at the Royal Albert Hall.

Deeply committed to broadening access to classical music, Anna has built a global following of over two million through her performances, recordings and social media presence. Her most recent album, Firedove, was released in May 2025 on SONY Classical.

The Catherine Ennis OB Memorial Recital was established in honour of Catherine Ennis (Old Blue), one of Britain’s leading organists and a passionate advocate for the instrument and its players. Each year, Christ’s Hospital invites a distinguished organist to perform in her memory.

Next year’s recital, on 10 October 2026, will feature internationally acclaimed organist Wayne Marshall, who will also play for the Sunday Chapel service and lead an improvisation workshop with Christ’s Hospital organ students.