Spreckels Organ Society
Balboa Park, San Diego
Spreckels Organ Centennial Concert
The Spreckels Organ Society and San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams invite you to the Spreckels Centennial Concert, a glorious commemoration of 100 years of the Spreckels Organ and Balboa Park, on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2014. The concert and festivities are free, open to the public and will launch Balboa Park’s Centennial year.
Save your seats by 5:30 in the Pavilion. Live music and an historic slide show precede the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m.
City Council President Todd Gloria will be on hand to accept the gift to the City of three new ranks of organ pipes, new percussion effects, and the newly-coated facade of pipes.
Spreckels will be streaming the concert live on U-Stream, if you can’t be there in person.
The green parking lot tram will run until 6 p.m. that day, and valet parking will be available (in the usual spot, on the east side of the Esplanade).
A Grand Processional March will begin at 7 p.m. at the Bea Evenson Fountain (between the Natural History Museum and the RH Fleet Center). If you are in the Procession, gather between 6 and 6:30 p.m. near the Evenson Fountain.
Souvenir Programs will be offered for a $5 donation at the Pavilion entrances.
Emcee Sam Bass of KyXy FM 96.5 will launch the official program after the Procession arrives, led by two bands of bagpipes and a recreated Electriquette.
The Gift Shop will be open! Souvenirs of the great Spreckels Organ include seat cushions and blankets as well as sweatshirts, CDs, and more.
Snacks and hot drinks will be available for purchase from the Community Christmas Center at the east side of the Pavilion.
Program highlights include:
- Remembering John D. Spreckels—a reenactment of the original gift to the people of San Diego and the world.
- World premiere performances of compositions for the organ and its new ranks
- Harp solo by Karen Rokos, who is the great-granddaughter of the first curator, Anton Rokos—view his 1915 Exposition pass online at PanCalArchive.org.
- 150-voice choir led by John Russell
- Fireworks
Sunday Concert Dec. 21 – 2 p.m. – Sing-a-long!
The National Anthem – Arranged by Carol Williams
Processional – Tylman Susato (c.1500-61)
Noel – L. C. Daquin (1694-1772)
Greensleeves – Traditional
The Christmas Song – Torme/Wells
Joy to the World G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
Praise Thee Lord – Iver Kleive
Winter Wonderland – Felix Bernard (1897-1944)
Sing-a-long With Carol, with Ross Porter and audience participants
Hallelujah Chorus G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
The Dachshund Society of San Diego will join us for a Weiner Wonderland Holiday Pooch Parade, after which everybody sings!
Program for Dec. 14 Concert at 2 p.m.
Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist welcomes guest performance by the
San Diego Harmony Ringers (pictured above) – Joe Rodriguez, Conductor
……………………………………..Selections include:
America – Arranged by Carol Williams
Joyful, Joyful – Arranged by Diane Bish
Noel Suisse – Louis Daquin
Variations on Adeste Fideles – Raynor Taylor
Now Thank We All Our God – Arranged by Virgil Fox
A Selection of Holiday Favorites by the
San Diego Harmony Ringers
Walking in the Air – Howard Blake (Contemporary)
Winter Wonderland – Felix Bernard (1897-1944)
The Christmas Song – Torme/Wells
Joy to the World – G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
The National Anthem – Arranged by Carol Williams
Program for Sunday’s Concert – Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Happy Holidays to Everyone!
Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist
San Diego Children’s Choir – Margie Orem, Conductor
……………………………………..
America – Arranged by Carol Williams
Processional – Tylman Susato (c1500-61)
Variations on Adeste Fideles – Raynor Taylor (1747-1825)
Greensleeves – Traditional
Winter Wonderland – Felix Bernard (1897-1944)
San Diego Children’s Choir:
O Christmas Tree – Traditional German Carol
Il Est Ne, le Divin Enfant Traditional French Carol
The Cuckoo Carol Martin Shaw
Zumba, Zumba Anon. Spanish Carol
Joyful, Joyful – Ludwig V. Beethoven (1770-1827)
Venus Toccata, Op. 9 – Carol Williams (Contemporary)
Walking in the Air – Howard Blake (Contemporary)
The Christmas Song – Torme/Wells
Joy to the World – G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
The National Anthem – Arranged by Carol Williams
Young Organists played Nov 30- Photos Online
Sam Buse, Trinity Schulz, and Lauren A. were featured at last Sunday’s concert. Bob Lang’s photos are posted here:
http://sosorgan.org/photogallery/2014/141130carol&winners/index.htm#33
Sam Buse, Trinity Schulz, and Lauren
Friday December 5 at 4 p.m.
Dr. Carol Williams will play the Spreckels Organ for the opening of December Nights from 4 to 4:45 p.m. on Friday.
Full Organ Pavilion stage schedule here:
http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/organ-pavilion-stage
