The historic Wanamaker Organ performed its final concert at the iconic Macy’s department store in Philadelphia on Saturday, marking the end of a nearly two-decade tenure for the beloved institution. Hundreds gathered to listen to renowned organists play richly layered music, creating an emotional experience that many described as bittersweet.
Built in 1904 for the St. Louis World Fair, The Wanamaker Organ is a National Historic Landmark and considered the largest fully-functioning organ in the world, comprising over 28,000 pipes. On Saturday, fans from across the region traveled to revisit cherished memories and make new ones as they listened to the concert, which was part of a daylong celebration.
Organist Peter Richard Conte led performances every hour from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., accompanied by numerous other musicians who played music that evoked nostalgia and joy in the crowd. The event was attended by many who had fond memories of shopping at Macy’s, riding the train, or enjoying light shows, making it an emotional experience.
Friends of the Wanamaker Organ have expressed hope that the instrument will continue to play a significant role in the building’s future chapter, with its owner TF Cornerstone committed to preserving and playing the organ publicly. The organization has already met with building owners to discuss goals and work towards a positive outcome for all parties involved.
For fans like John Libertine, who has brought his family to Philadelphia nearly every summer since 2008 to attend Wanamaker Organ day, Saturday’s concert was a poignant farewell to an institution that will be deeply missed. “This will be the last day we hear the instrument in the space that it was designed for,” he said. “Whatever changes come the way for the building, everybody hopes the organ will be a huge part of it.”
Source: https://whyy.org/articles/wanamaker-building-organ-concert-macys-closing-philadelphia