Our first event at the Sydney Opera House

Wednesday 18 March

Written by Chiara Micciche and Alina Frick

On Sunday the 18 of march, we (Chiara & Alina, interns at Eastside Radio) had the incredible opportunity to attend a masterclass with British organist Anna Lapwood at the iconic Sydney Opera House – an experience we won’t soon forget.

From the moment we arrived at the Opera House, the setting was impressive. We had dressed slightly more formally than usual, enjoyed a drink, and took in the views from one of the balconies. The harbor was visible in the late-afternoon light, and the building’s architecture and scale were striking. Inside the concert hall, the space felt expansive, with wooden panels and the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ prominently positioned on the stage, creating both a strong visual and acoustic presence. The hall’s acoustics amplified every note, making it easy to appreciate the organ’s size, range, and power.

The masterclass began with a brief introduction by the host and Anna herself, whose energy and passion for the organ were immediately evident. Three young organists performed one by one: a talented 16-year-old girl, a young musician from Asia, and Samuel Gibby. Anna worked closely with each, offering tips, demonstrating adjustments, and coaching them live in front of the audience. Watching their hands and feet coordinate to bring the music to life was fascinating – every touch on the keys and pedals shaped the sound in real time, highlighting the precision and skill required to master the instrument.

Overall, the masterclass was informative and engaging. It offered attendees a chance to observe professional instruction in action, learn about organ technique, and experience the Sydney Opera House from a unique perspective.

“Until we get to a point where those numbers are evening out, I think we do still have to, in inverted commas, bang the gender agenda drum a little bit and just make sure that the next generation are seeing visible role models.” – Anna Lapwood