One of the most famous organs in the world, which graces one of Philadelphia’s favorite public spaces, was at risk of going quiet this spring when Macy’s closed up shop in the city’s storied Wanamaker Building.
But countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, the avant-garde opera star hired last year to run Opera Philadelphia, is leading an effort to let the public again enjoy the Wanamaker Organ, a National Historic Landmark-designated treasure…
Costanzo, with $1 million in philanthropic funding, is organizing a series of public performances this fall — including opera, ballet, theater and drag — before renovations begin next year on the building’s conversion to a retail and residential hub. The Wanamaker Organ will be featured in the first event, set for Sunday, Sept. 7, but perhaps not all of them.
on a somewhat related note, I did hear that they will have the lightshow again this year; a great Christmas tradition.
indeed. the company was able to buy the dicken’s village and the light show from macy’s.
there is a move to have a non profit own them.
the 2 shows will be available this year. the next 2 years are questionable as the building undergoes renovation.