Today was such a thrill! I got to hear the 1924 “Spreckels Organ” played at the San Francisco Legion of Honor! This historic pipe organ boasts 4,526 pipes hidden throughout the Legion of Honor behind fake walls and ceilings. Designed by the famous Ernest M. Skinner Organ Company to pipe music throughout the many galleries, it’s the only currently used pipe organ in a museum in America.
Jonathan Dimmock, the principal organist of the Legion of Honor, played a really interesting “War and Peace” playlist today. All of it was great, but I could not have guessed that he would begin with a medley from the Star Wars original trilogy!
Dimmock introduced us to the Spreckels Organ, provided helpful commentary about the music, and took questions from the audience.
He plays every Saturday at the Legion at 4pm. I’ll be back for sure.
Many years ago I took my family to listen to Ludwig Altman play the Spreckels Organ. What an ethereal experience. I drew Mr. Altman as he played and after the December 7 1988 concert asked him if he would autograph the drawing – he did! I am currently compiling a book of the many artists I have drawn performing since 1969. Mr. Altman will be included of course! I still have the concert program but, even better, the memory of the glorious music of the Spreckels Organ filling the Rodin Gallery. Thank you most sincerely for sublimely beautiful experience. With thanks, Bill “I.B.” Nelson (King Features, Sega of America, etc.)(website currently offline)