The largest functioning pipe organ in the world is located (of all places) in the Macy’s department store in downtown Philadelphia. The organ is played daily at noon while shoppers visit the store, as well as for many after-hours special events and concerts.
On Saturday, October 30, 2010, one such special event “happened.” While the store was filled with ordinary shoppers, more than 600 “shoppers” burst into a full chorus of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah.” The “happening” event was staged by the Philadelphia Opera Company and engaged volunteers from just about every school, church and singing group in the city.
The organ is known around the world as the “Wanamaker Organ” because John Wanamaker installed this 28,500+ pipe instrument in the “Grand Hall” at the center of his 7-story department store. The cross-shaped store opened in 1909 and fills a city block. The entire top floor is set up as a pipe organ maintenance and repair shop and once engaged 40 employees to expand and maintain the instrument.
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This just brought tears to my eyes! As a former “chorus geek,” we sang the Hallelujah Chorus every year, and it always holds a special place in my heart. Thanks for sharing :0)
Amazing!
This is wonderful in so many ways!! Thanks for sharing!!
great video.
I am originally from Philadelphia. I remember going through the store which was then called “Wanamakers” before Macy’s bought it with my Grandmother around Christmas time and listening to the organ and looking at all the Christmas decorations. Thanks for bringing back many fond memories.
Which store in Philly had the miniature Christmas Carol village on the top floor? I can’t remember, but I saw it once. It was awesome. I remember Wannamaker’s, too.
What a great Heaven will be… that’s only in America, wish it happens in Indonesia as well.
Amazing!! Music lover or not this is spectacular!
Wow. There’s a beautiful old pipe organ at Longwood Gardens, about 45 minutes SW of Philly. If I recall, they play it once a year on Christmas day.
steve.. this is the best post yet on your website.. my bias comes from my worshipper heart.. love to do this sometime here in mt pleasant! thank you love your treading grain thing!
Before Lee and I married, I lived in DE and attended and sang in the choir at Christ Episcopal Church. We had professional “ringers” from Philadelphia opera singing in all services, every Sunday. And every fall we would perform the Messiah at the church. The volunteer choir essentially joined the professinals from the Phily opera and symphony. I can still feel the church vibrating with the music. What an experience.
When we were statined in VA, there was a Messiah sing-along for people to just come sing. Kids were so little, I never made it down (a regret) and often thought it would be fun to do here…hint hint.