Happy Birthday Spreckel’s Organ & Pavilion
A day of 42 degree weather in San Diego felt like home, not because of the weather but because of the people. On New Year’s Eve, young and old showed up outside during unusually cold weather for the 100th Birthday of the Balboa Park Spreckel’s Organ Pavilion. This concert, led by Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams, launched the start of the Balboa Park Centennial Celebrations. The event felt like it was a wonderful private show for the true San Diego fans of the Park and the organ.
Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams performs on New Year’s Eve at Balboa Park.
At some point most San Diegans have been to Balboa Park and the Organ Pavilion; it is something we almost take for granted. We have the second-largest outdoor organ in the world, and for the longest time it was the largest – something the Spreckel’s Organ Society is working on again in its drive for 5,000 pipes. On this particular evening, the massive organ once again took center stage as hundreds gathered to listen to legendary Civic Organists Emeriti Jared Jacobsen (civic organist 1978 – 1984) and Robert Plimpton (civic organist 1985 – 2000), along with a special world-premiere composition by Dr. Williams, composed for the occasion.
As a child, going to the park on Sunday and hearing the free organ concert was the centerpiece of a great, easy, fun day in Balboa Park. That tradition continues 100 years later. Happy birthday Spreckels Organ Pavilion. For more information visit SpreckelsOrgan.org and watch our video coverage at PresidioSentinel.com.
Category: Entertainment, Local News
