PIPE UP!
Why feel down when you can PIPE UP!?
In fall 2025, Opera Philadelphia threw open the doors of the Wanamaker and invited the city back into this historic space to experience the Grand Court and beyond as never before. Along with a host of our favorite creative partners, we breathed new life into the Wanamaker with an unexpected performance series showcasing music, dance, art, theater, film, parties, and, of course, opera. At the heart of our programming was the iconic Wanamaker Grand Court Organ. Presented in association with the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ.
Meet Me at the Eagle Sunday, Sept 7 at 1:00 p.m.
Kick off Pipe Up! with an afternoon of performance, celebration, and the iconic Grand Court Organ.
The Layaway September 13-28
A speakeasy for hard times from the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, featuring intimate cabaret performances on Saturdays and family programming on Sundays. Presented and ticketed by FringeArts as part of the 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
Oct. 14 at 7:00 p.m. & Oct. 21 at 12:30 p.m. Duo Free organ concerts
Wanamaker Grand Court organists Peter Richard Conte and Andrew Ennis perform music from their new album, Duo.
Friday, Oct. 17 at 7:00 p.m. An Evening of Opera Favorites Peter Richard Conte and Opera Philadelphia
Peter Richard Conte is joined by the Opera Philadelphia Chorus and Director of Music & Chorus Elizabeth Braden for an evening of beautiful operatic favorites at this free concert.
Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Peter Richard Conte and the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass
A 10-piece brass ensemble joins Peter Richard Conte on the Wanamaker Organ for an innovative concert featuring everything from Bach to Bourbon Street.
Oct. 27 - 31 at 7:00 p.m. Silent Classic Horror featuring live organ accompaniment
1920s horror films with live organ accompaniment on the Greek Hall Wurlitzer Organ.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 8:00 p.m. An Evening with Lawrence Brownlee
Join world-renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee for an evening of arias in the Grand Court.
Monday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m. Phantom of the Opera featuring the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ
Peter Richard Conte provides live organ accompaniment to Rupert Julian's 1925 silent film classic.
Friday, Nov. 14 at 12:30 p.m. An Afternoon with Peter Richard Conte Free organ concert
Wanamaker Grand Court organist Peter Richard Conte performs organ favorites at this free mid-day concert.
Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:00 p.m. City to City A Youth Choir Celebration
Opera Philadelphia brings together the next generation of vocal talent from New York City and Philadelphia for an unforgettable evening of music in the iconic Grand Court.
Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7:00 p.m. Nathalie Joachim in Concert
Opera Philadelphia Composer in Residence Nathalie Joachim performs selections from her opera-in-progress Le présent éternel, as well as her Grammy-nominated album Fanm d’Ayiti.
Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. Home for the Holidays A holiday concert in the Grand Court
Featuring performances by the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Leah Hawkins, Peter Richard Conte, and more!
Dec 10-14 It's Giving Cabaret 5 nights in Greek Hall
The Bearded Ladies return to the Wanamaker for a festive cabaret series in Greek Hall featuring drag, sing-alongs, acrobatics, jazz, and more!
Don't miss out!
Be the first to know about additional PIPE UP! programming by signing up to the Opera Philadelphia email list and following @operaphila on social media.
Major support for PIPE UP! has been provided by Wyncote Foundation.
Additional support is provided by TF Cornerstone. Capacity building support for audience engagement and development has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
Special thanks to Friends of the Wanamaker Organ.