Whatever the future, Saturday’s turnout was evidence of millions of dollars and decades, guaranteeing that at two daily concerts the organ’s sauced melody was heard over decades.
“We have an entire team, a restoration team. We invested millions of dollars. Macy’s invested millions of dollars in the organ,” he said. “The community is enjoying it now. It’s great to see the dividends that the investment is making, the place in the hearts of the people here, and the normal shared experience of many people to enjoy the grandeur of this pipe organ in the Philadelphia living room.”
On Saturday, fans travelled across the Philadelphia area to revisit memories and create something new.
John Libertin came down from the Boston area. He first heard the organ in 2008 and has since taken his family to Philadelphia almost every summer. Even in 2015, the year the concert fell just six days after his wife gave birth to a son.
“My wife politely allowed me to take my family here,” he said. “It was probably not a comfortable day for her, but she tolerated it and after a while he forgives me. And he was in my arms with his eyes closed for his first organ concert in 2015.”
Libertin said Saturday’s concert was important to him and many other followers, no matter what the future of the instrument is.
“This will be the last day we hear instruments in the designed space,” he said. “Whatever the roads of a building, everyone wants the organ to be a big part of it, but that’s always different from today.”
Stefa said that despite her nearly two years of tenure in Macy’s space, the iconic department store played a key role in the ongoing importance of the organ.
“Macies were absolutely fantastic in their respects, paying their stewardship and the pay they paid. “We’re forever grateful for what they did.”
For Stefa, he wants organs to play.
“This is a national treasure. It is a world treasure and it has to continue to be preserved and played for the public,” he said.
