A joyful farewell concert at Macy's, celebrating its rich history and contributions to Philadelphia's music scene.
After nearly two decades of service, the iconic Macy’s store at 1300 Market Street in Philadelphia is set to close this Sunday, impacting the local community. Celebrating its legacy, a farewell concert called ‘Make A Joyful Noise’ will be held featuring the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ. Special performances from talented organists, including Peter Richard Conte, will commemorate the store’s history. The closure is part of Macy’s plan to shut down 150 underperforming stores nationwide, but the future of the Wanamaker Building remains hopeful as new ownership commits to preserving its cultural significance.
Get ready, Philadelphia! The beloved Macy’s store located at 1300 Market Street is set to close its doors for good this Sunday after serving the community for nearly two decades. This decision comes as part of Macy’s plan to shut down around 150 underperforming stores over a three-year period, a move that was initially announced back in February 2024. It’s not just this location; the closure impacts a total of 66 stores across the country, including several in our own Pennsylvania.
But before the store officially closes, there’s a very special farewell concert planned that you won’t want to miss. A day-long event titled “Make A Joyful Noise” is going down on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This exciting concert features the amazing Wanamaker Grand Court Organ, which will continue to play its beautiful tunes hourly until the very last minute.
With Peter Richard Conte at the helm, who has been the Grand Court Organist since 1989, this celebration is sure to resonate deeply with both locals and visitors. Throughout the day, various talented guest organists will join him to keep the spirit alive. The opening number will be a rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” played by Conte at 9 a.m. The day will culminate in a splendid “grand gala” performance featuring Conte alongside flügelhornist Andrew Ennis at 5 p.m.
The Wanamaker Organ has been an integral part of Philadelphia’s music scene for decades. Since its acquisition by Macy’s in 2006 when they took over the historic Wanamaker Building, the organ has played twice daily, six days a week—creating countless memories for shoppers who pass by. It is no wonder that this iconic location has grown to mean so much to the community.
Adding to the excitement of the event, TF Cornerstone, which is set to acquire the Wanamaker Building, has already expressed a strong commitment to preserving the organ and its place in the cultural fabric of the city. This is great news for fans of this historical landmark, which is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1971.
Of course, with any change comes a bit of uncertainty. The future of other beloved traditions at the store, like the Christmas Light Show and the charming Dickens’ Village, is currently up for discussion. Local officials are demonstrating optimism, hoping these timeless features, along with the organ and the iconic Wanamaker Eagle statue also located in the Grand Court, will remain untouched during forthcoming renovations.
The Wanamaker Building, which originally opened its doors an impressive 114 years ago, has a rich history, previously serving as home to various department stores like Hecht’s, Strawbridge’s, and Lord & Taylor. Emotional responses from long-time shoppers highlight just how significant these experiences have been for generations—a testament to the wonderful memories made against the backdrop of soaring organ music and captivating seasonal displays.
As this chapter comes to a close, the community will gather to celebrate all the memories made at Macy’s. Whether you have come for the shopping, the shows, or just to enjoy the music emanating from the grand organ, this is certainly a moment that will linger in the heart of Philadelphia. So, make your plans to attend the farewell concert, and let’s bow out with a joyful noise!
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