Anna Lapwood to step down from Pembroke College role

Organist Anna Lapwood MBE has announced she will step down as director of music at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Lapwood will leave the college at the end of the current academic year after nine years in the role to devote more time to her career as a concert organist.

Since joining the college as director of music in September 2016, Lapwood has worked to improve and support choral and organ music at Pembroke. As well as developing the reputation of the College Choir, Lapwood founded the Pembroke College Girls’ Choir in 2018 and embarked on significant recording projects (three albums and two Eps) with both choirs. She also facilitated college music events including 24-hour charity Bach-a-thons, music outreach trips to Zambia and a visit from composer and conductor Eric Whitacre.

Lord Smith, Master of Pembroke, said: ‘Anna has transformed Pembroke’s music and choirs during her time as director of music. Her energy, enthusiasm and sheer professionalism have lit up the quality of our Chapel Choir; she has established our Girls’ Choir; she has brought both choirs onto Classic FM and Radio 3; she has brought the power of music to make a difference to communities and schools across Zambia; and she has given a real lift to the entire College in the process.’

Having started her career as the first-ever female organ scholar at Magdalen College, Oxford, Lapwood’s work at Pembroke has seen her encourage more women and girls to play this wonderful instrument through initiatives like ‘Play Like a Girl’ and her annual Cambridge Organ Experience for Girls. As well as developing an impressive social media presence, with over two million followers, Lapwood has recorded two solo albums with Sony Classical and is an associate artist of the Royal Albert Hall and an artist in association with the BBC Singers. She recently hosted the Proms and the BBC Young Musician competition.

Lapwood said: ‘When I got the job at the age of 21, I wasn’t sure what to expect; I was hoping I might be able to pass on some of my love of music-making to the students, but I had no idea I was going to learn so much from them. I’m so incredibly proud of the community we have built together, and choosing to leave has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make! As I move on to pursue organ playing full-time I know I will always carry with me their infectious joy, their fearlessness, and the way they care for each other, all while they continue to make music to the highest of standards.’

Applications for Pembroke College’s next Janeway director of music are now open, with the successful applicant expected to continue to develop both the Chapel Choir and the Girls’ Choir. The closing date for applications is 6 March.