Thunderous performance of Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony by Anna Lapwood on the 9,999-pipe organ at the Royal Albert Hall
Anna Lapwood Performs Saint-Saëns' 'Organ Symphony' to Critical Acclaim
Anna Lapwood, one of this generation's star organists, has once again proven her exceptional talent with a mesmerizing performance of Camille Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 3, also known as his 'Organ' Symphony. The performance took place on 22 September 2024, at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, accompanied by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and conductor Kirill Karabits.
Lapwood, who is an associate artist at the Royal Albert Hall, brought something fresh and special from the organ loft, creating a huge sound from the 9,999-piped organ at the venue. Her performance was filled with glory, and the final movement, featuring a full-organ blast, is one of the most thrilling moments in classical music.
The performance was a testament to Lapwood's dedication to bringing the organ to a new generation of players and listeners. Her association with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and her role as an associate artist at the Royal Albert Hall have further solidified her status as a trailblazer in the world of classical music.
Camille Saint-Saëns, a French composer known for his association with an incredible roaring organ and symphony orchestra, would have been proud of Lapwood's interpretation of his Symphony No. 3. In fact, Franz Liszt, another renowned composer, once referred to a person as the greatest organist in the world, and that person was Camille Saint-Saëns.
Kyle Macdonald, in his article about the performance, described Lapwood's performance as "a tour de force, demonstrating her technical mastery and emotional depth." The performance is now available to watch online, offering music lovers around the world a chance to experience Lapwood's magic.
Lapwood's career has been marked by many milestones. At the age of 21, she became the youngest ever director of music for an Oxbridge college at Pembroke College, Cambridge. In 2022, she performed the 'Organ' Symphony at Live and was accompanied by a cellist during the performance of "Jeremias - Egoist" at the Elbphilharmonie.
With millions of views on Instagram and TikTok due to her performances, musical campaigns, and chance encounters between music lovers, Lapwood continues to captivate audiences with her unique style and passion for music. Her performance of Saint-Saëns' 'Organ Symphony' is a testament to her talent and dedication, and it is clear that she will continue to shape the world of classical music for years to come.
