GirlHacker's Random Log

almost daily since 1999

 

This past weekend Macy’s brought the Philadephia Orchestra and the 28,482 pipe Wanamaker Organ together in the store’s Center City Philadelphia grand court to perform Joseph Jongen’s “Symphonie Concertante.” The piece, composed for that specific organ, was originally scheduled to debut in 1928 but various things got in the way of each concert (one of which was the Great Depression). The organ is played for shoppers every day, but a symphony orchestra concert is a rare event. The concert, which also included a Fanfare commissioned by Macy’s from Howard Shore (Lord of the Rings), was a benefit for the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ and a celebration for Macy’s 150th birthday. (bonus YouTube link: the Star Wars Theme on the Wanamaker Organ)