On May 6, the Wanamaker Organ in the Grand Court of Macy's Philadelphia department store was decked out with hand-painted silk royal banners from the Rodman Wanamaker Collection. The world's largest playing pipe organ, the 28,750-pipe Wanamaker Organ was dedicated on June 22, 1911, at the exact moment when King George V and Queen Mary were crowned. Coronation music was played Saturday, May 6, in honor of the festivities in London.
Rodman Wanamaker (1863-1928) donated the Cross of Westminster to Westminster Abbey, a cross used today and on state occasions.
Organists featured on May 6 were Grand Court Organist Peter Richard Conte and Dylan David Shaw. The organ was purchased in 1909 and installed in the Grand Court of his eponymous department store by merchant-prince John Wanamaker. It was twice enlarged to its present size. Rodman Wanamaker also donated a sterling silver altar, a jeweled Bible and other rich adornments to the parish of St. Mary Magdaline on the royal estate at Sandringham.
For more information contact Ray Biswanger
Executive Director
Friends of the Wanamaker Organ, Inc.
wanamakerorgan.com
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