Musical phenom introduces an old instrument to new audiences

Article excerpt

Anna Lapwood, a young organist, is shattering the pipe organ's stuffy reputation by introducing the classical instrument to millions of new listeners. Traditionally confined to concert halls, churches, and Bach performances, the organ has found an unlikely renaissance through Lapwood's work. The musician has built a massive following by demonstrating the instrument's versatility beyond its Baroque roots. PBS correspondent Jeffrey Brown traveled to Portland, Maine, to explore how one virtuoso is transforming perceptions of an old instrument for contemporary audiences, part of the network's "CANVAS" arts and culture series.