Wanamaker organist in Allentown concert
Hear the king of the king of organs in a concert in center city Allentown.
Peter Richard Conte, Grand Court organist of the Wanamaker organ at Center City Macy’s, Philadelphia, accompanied by Andrew Ennis, flugelhorn, performs in the “Arts at St. Johns” series, 7:30 p.m. May 6, St. John’s Lutheran Evangelical Church, 37 S. Fifth St., Allentown.
For more than 25 years, Conte has been Grand Court organist for what is said to be the world’s largest pipe organ.
He has toured in the United States and in Britain. Conte has recorded for the Dorian, Raven and Gothic labels.
Conte is Principal Organist of Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Chester County. He leads the choir at Saint Clement’s Church, Philadelphia.
He has transcribed many classical orchestral works for the organ, which he includes in his recitals.
Conte performs twice daily, six days a week, on the largest fully-functioning musical instrument in the world, which is located at Macy’s, 13th and Center streets, Philadelphia.
He is only the fourth person to hold that title since the organ was first played in 1911.
For the St. John’s concert, vehicle parking is available at meters along streets in the area and in the city parking deck at Sixth and Walnut streets, one block from St. John’s Lutheran Evangelical Church, Allentown.
A donation for the concert will be accepted at the door.
The church is accessible to persons with disabilities.
“Bach at Noon in Allentown” returns for the second year, noon June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, St. John’s Lutheran Evangelical Church, with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Bach Festival Orchestra members and renowned soloists conducted by Bach Choir Artistic Director Greg Funfgeld, who introduces the programs.
Information: stjohnsallentown.org, 610-435-1587