Wanamaker Organ Visit (3.19.25)

Last week, I planned to take a trip to the John Wanamaker Building to hear and see the Wanamaker Organ one last time before the store closes. I was supposed to plan on leaving around 8:30am but that didn't happen. I ended up leaving home around 10:15. The travel down to center city wasn't all that bad. The turnpike was a straight shot down cruising at 75 miles per hour. I got to the Schuylkill Expressway and there was some moderate traffic but no standstill.

I arrived to the building at 11:45am with a perfect amount of time to find a spot to stand and listen to the noon concert. Peter Richard Conte was playing the noon concert. During this concert, I found the optimal spot to listen to this organ and I personally believe the 3rd floor rear of the court is the best place. Mr. Conte played approximately 45 minutes of selections ranging from soft to loud.

After the concert, I had the ability to tour the console which is breathtaking. All the stop tabs, pistons, and swell shoes. It's a lot to look at! After that, I had the chance to introduce myself to Mr. Conte and we talked for a few minutes. Other individuals thanked him for the wonderful concert. He said that I should go back up there and take a deeper look, so I did.

Monte Maxwell who is an assistant organist told me some interesting information on the organ and what its fate will be. I stood with him at the console for about 20 minutes while he was registering the organ for this upcoming Saturday's performance.

After all of that stuff, I decided to walk downtown to get food at a Panera Bread nearby. I had a grilled cheese and a turkey/american cheese sandwich. Both were excellent. I also explored the Reading Terminal Market, which is massive! I came back after eating and took pictures of the store and the organ facade.

The 5:30pm concert rolled around. Opening the concert was Rudy Lucente and Dylan Shaw closed out the concert. I saw the console again because why not. I also got to meet Luke Staisiunas when I was at the console.

Overall, getting to hear this organ again was a real treat. This organ sounds wonderful and it fills the Grand Court very well.

Console

Facade

Vox Chorus Stop Tabs

Pedal Stop Tabs

Swell Shoes