Firedove

One of the most gifted and visionary artists of her generation, Anna Lapwood, will release her brand-new album, Firedove, on May 30th on Sony Classical. It is the follow-up to her acclaimed album "Luna."

The lead track is the captivating "Limina Luminis," commissioned for and first performed at the 2023 BBC Proms, composed for Anna by Italian composer Olivia Belli.  

“This piece was part of my first solo recital at the BBC Proms, and I’ve played it in nearly every concert since, because I love it so much.” Anna says.  

Already renowned for introducing the organ to new generations of music fans through her extraordinary interpretations of both classical and contemporary works, Anna Lapwood has become known to millions through viral TikTok videos, high-profile collaborations and sold-out live concerts. 

Anna recorded her new album "Firedove" through the night at Nidaros Cathedral, a spectacular Gothic masterpiece founded in the 11th century in Trondheim, Norway. 

“I wanted to create an album where the listener doesn’t quite know where it’s going to go next,” Lapwood says. “There are lots of little easter eggs in there that you wouldn’t expect — even the first appearance of the choir — and a through-line of flight and spreading wings, because this does feel as though I’ve found what I want to say as an artist. I’m very proud of it.” 

"Firedove" effortlessly demonstrates Anna’s open-minded approach to music, one where a Vierne scherzo can sit alongside a rendition of Robbie Williams "Angels," and Maurice Duruflé’s "Prelude and Fugue" with Bob Dylan’s "Make You Feel My Love."

The repertoire choices on her album clearly indicate that it is Anna’s most personal record to date. She is no stranger to blending classical music with pop having performed with RAYE, Florence & The Machine & Aurora, even finding time to give Tom Cruise an impromptu organ lesson during a late-night rehearsal at London’s Royal Albert Hall. 

Anna was appointed Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridgeshire when she was 21, the youngest person ever to hold that position at either an Oxford or Cambridge University College. Now, nine years later, she is stepping down to pursue her live and recording career full time. 

On "Firedove" Anna Lapwood brings a breath of fresh air into classical musical making. “Since I started focusing on the music I loved and stopped worrying about what others felt I ‘should’ be doing, I have fallen in love with the organ again in a completely new way” she says.  

The results are staggering, and Anna’s intense musical passion is evident throughout "Firedove." An intoxicating listen.