TikTok-Famous Organist Anna Lapwood Steps Down as College Music Director
(Based on reporting by BBC)
Anna Lapwood, the music director at Pembroke College, Cambridge, known as the “TikTok organist,” is leaving her role after nine years. Lapwood, who received an MBE for her contributions to music in 2024, said she is stepping down to focus on her career as a concert organist.
During her time at Pembroke, Lapwood made a huge impact. She started the Pembroke Girls’ Choir, promoted music by female composers, and helped the college choir gain national recognition, with performances on BBC and other radio stations.
When the COVID-19 pandemic stopped choirs from singing together, Lapwood created the NHS Chorus-19, a virtual choir with over 1,000 NHS staff from across the UK. She also used social media to make the organ more popular, earning 25 million likes for one of her performances.
Lapwood called her decision to leave “the hardest” she’s ever made, saying she is proud of the musical community she built at Pembroke. The college praised her as a “trailblazing individual” and wished her well in her future career.
Lapwood’s work has inspired many, showing how music can bring people together, even in tough times. Her next steps as a concert organist will be closely watched by fans and the college alike.
(This summary is based on original reporting by BBC.)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3edzvgz7yo