Friends of the Wanamaker Organ present Wanamaker Organ Day, September 25—a weekend festival.
Friday include free organ and shop tours following the noon concert, an early (5 p.m.) Wanamaker Organ daily concert, and a catered, ticketed wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvres event in Greek Hall that pays tribute to retired curator Curt Mangel—still an active restoration team member. John Baratta plays the Wurlitzer.
Saturday features a free 9 a.m. showing of the Wanamaker Organ Yearbook documentary, in Greek Hall. It includes segments on the organ case and eagle restoration, plus behind-the-scenes restoration project footage, and a feature on Macy’s and Philadelphia during the lockdown. Complimentary light refreshments are served.
At 11 a.m. the free Grand Opening Concert features Peter Richard Conte, Rudy Lucente, Dylan David Shaw, Mark Bani, and Colin Howland.
At 2 p.m. John Baretta plays the Wurlitzer in Greek Hall, in a program of hits from the Great American Songbook, together with a Buster Keaton silent short. A nominal admission is charged at the door.
Following the Wurlitzer concert are free Wanamaker Organ pipe-chamber tours and an opportunity to visit the Wanamaker Organ museum, Hall of Flags, and restoration studios.
At 5 p.m., Philadelphia Brass joins the Wanamaker in a program presented in memory of Yesterday USA’s Bill Bragg.
At 8 p.m., the evening begins with a brief film. Raúl Prieto Ramírez joins Peter Richard Conte for the ticketed Grand Evening Concert.
Sunday features free organ chamber and shop tours, at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. In between, the Wanamaker Organ Sonic Odyssey film will be shown in Greek Hall. Visitors will also have an opportunity to see shop projects in progress, and to view the organ console.
To purchase tickets: https://www.store.wanamakerorgan.com/
Other upcoming events:
Kotzschmar Memorial Organ concerts
