The Wanamaker Organ Hallelujah Chorus is one of the most breathtaking musical experiences in the world. Played on the Wanamaker Organ, the largest fully functioning pipe organ on Earth, this performance fills the massive Macy’s department store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a sound so grand it leaves audiences in awe. Whether you are a music lover, history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys powerful melodies, hearing the Hallelujah Chorus on this organ is an experience you will never forget.
The Wanamaker Organ – A Giant Musical Wonder!
The Wanamaker Organ is one of the most extraordinary musical instruments ever built. Originally created for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, this massive pipe organ was later moved to the Wanamaker Department Store in Philadelphia, which is now Macy’s Center City. It has been enchanting visitors ever since.
With over 28,500 pipes, the Wanamaker Organ is the largest playable pipe organ in the world. It is so big that it takes an entire building to house it, and its sound can fill the enormous Grand Court of Macy’s with rich, resonant music. The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah is one of the most famous pieces performed on this organ, making it a must-hear experience for visitors and music lovers alike.
What Is the Hallelujah Chorus?
The Hallelujah Chorus is one of the most recognized and celebrated pieces of music in history. It was composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741 as part of his larger work, Messiah. This piece is known for its powerful, uplifting melody and grand orchestration, which makes it a perfect match for the Wanamaker Organ.
One of the most famous traditions associated with the Hallelujah Chorus is that audiences stand up when it is performed. This tradition is believed to have started when King George II rose to his feet during the first London performance in 1743. Today, when the Hallelujah Chorus is played, many people instinctively stand, overwhelmed by the beauty and power of the music.
Why Is the Wanamaker Organ Hallelujah Chorus So Special?
Hearing the Hallelujah Chorus played on the Wanamaker Organ is a completely different experience compared to hearing it performed by a choir or orchestra. The organ’s deep bass, soaring high notes, and endless range of tones create a majestic, almost otherworldly sound. The organist has complete control over the dynamics and power of the performance, making each note resonate through the vast space of Macy’s Grand Court.

Unlike a typical church organ, the Wanamaker Organ has thousands of pipes spread throughout the building, making the sound feel like it is surrounding you from all directions. The Hallelujah Chorus is already an emotionally powerful piece, but when played on this magnificent organ, it becomes a once-in-a-lifetime musical event.
How Many People Can Hear It?
The Wanamaker Organ is located in Macy’s Center City, a public space where hundreds of people can gather to listen. Because it is in a massive department store, anyone who happens to be shopping or visiting can experience the performance. During special events and holiday seasons, the store is packed with thousands of visitors who come specifically to hear the Hallelujah Chorus and other grand organ pieces.
How Long Does the Performance Last?
The Hallelujah Chorus itself is about four minutes long, but it is often part of a larger organ concert. During the holiday season and special occasions, full concerts featuring the Wanamaker Organ can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Some performances also include other selections from Handel’s Messiah or additional classical and holiday music.
When Can You Hear It?
The Wanamaker Organ is played twice a day, Monday through Saturday, at 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Special holiday performances, especially during Christmas and Easter, often feature the Hallelujah Chorus as a highlight of the program. The best time to hear it is during the Christmas Light Show, a Philadelphia holiday tradition that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
History of the Wanamaker Organ – Where Did It Come From?
The Wanamaker Organ has a fascinating history. It was originally built for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair by the Los Angeles Art Organ Company. After the fair ended, department store magnate John Wanamaker purchased it and installed it in his Philadelphia store in 1911.
However, the organ was not yet complete. Over the next few decades, it was expanded and improved, adding thousands of pipes and new features. Today, it stands as a historic musical treasure, carefully maintained by skilled organists and technicians to ensure it remains in perfect working condition.
How Big Is the Wanamaker Organ?
The Wanamaker Organ is truly enormous. It has:
- 28,750 pipes, ranging in size from tiny inches to over 32 feet tall
- 6 keyboards (manuals) for the organist to play
- 729 stops, which control different sounds and tones
- A wind system that generates high-pressure air to make the pipes sound
Its pipes are spread throughout the store, with some located behind decorative walls and others hidden in different sections of the building. When played, it feels like the entire store is singing with music.
Who Plays the Wanamaker Organ?
The Wanamaker Organ is played by highly trained professional organists who have spent years mastering this complex instrument. The current Grand Court Organist is Peter Richard Conte, a world-renowned musician known for his incredible performances on this massive instrument.

How Hard Is It to Play?
Playing the Wanamaker Organ is incredibly challenging. Unlike a standard piano or small church organ, this instrument requires:
- Using both hands and feet at the same time
- Switching between six keyboards
- Controlling thousands of pipes with multiple stops and settings
Only a handful of musicians in the world are skilled enough to play it at a professional level.
Can Anyone Try Playing It?
Because of its complexity and historical value, the Wanamaker Organ is not open to the public for casual play. However, special organ demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours sometimes allow visitors to see the console up close and learn about how it works.
When Is the Best Time to Hear the Wanamaker Organ Hallelujah Chorus?
The best time to hear the Hallelujah Chorus on the Wanamaker Organ is during the Christmas season when it is performed as part of Macy’s famous Christmas Light Show. Another great time is Easter, when Handel’s Messiah is traditionally performed. Special concerts throughout the year also sometimes feature this iconic piece.
Fun Facts About the Wanamaker Organ!
- The largest pipe in the Wanamaker Organ is over 32 feet tall, while the smallest is the size of a pencil.
- It takes an entire team of technicians to maintain the organ and keep it in working order.
- The organ weighs more than 287 tons, making it one of the heaviest instruments in the world.
- It is listed as a National Historic Landmark because of its importance to American music history.
The Bottom Line
The Wanamaker Organ Hallelujah Chorus is a musical experience unlike any other. The combination of Handel’s powerful composition and the largest playable pipe organ in the world creates an unforgettable sound that resonates deep in the hearts of all who hear it. Whether you visit Philadelphia for the holidays or just want to experience a piece of music history, hearing the Hallelujah Chorus on the Wanamaker Organ is something you will never forget.