The symphonic tones of Philadelphia’s Wanamaker organ reverberated throughout the former Macy’s building Sept. 7 for the first time in a public concert since March, as performers from Opera Philadelphia and other city cultural organizations demonstrated what might be in store for the iconic instrument following the building’s sale.
The new owner, real estate development company TF Cornerstone, is still examining the best way to integrate the organ into its plans for building, which include luxury apartments, office space and retail. In the meantime, Opera Philadelphia has stepped in with a series of performances and other cultural events, funded by the Wyncote Foundation, called "Pipe Up!", that it will coordinate with other cultural organizations in the city. In addition to Wanamaker Grand Court Organist Peter Richard Conte, Opera Philadelphia chorus members and President, General Director and countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, the event featured performances by BalletX, FringeArts and The Bearded Ladies Cabaret.
In this episode, A Tempo host Rachel Katz speaks with Costanzo, Conte, Wyncote Board Member Frederick Haas, and TF Cornerstone Senior Vice President and Director of Planning Jon McMillan, as well as several Philadelphians who attended the concert.
