Spreckels Pipe Organ in Balboa Park
Balboa Park is home to a Unique and Historic Outdoor Pipe Organ.
The Spreckels Organ was first heard on New Years Eve 1914 for the opening ceremonies of the Panama California Exposition held in Balboa Park. The organ was built by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford Connecticut. The construction of the organ cost $100,000 and was donated to the city of San Diego by John D. Spreckels and was America’s first out-of-door organ.
The pipe organ contains over 4,500 pipes. The largest pipes are 32 feet in length, the smallest about the size of a pencil. The organ also contains other instruments including a harp, snare drums, bass drums, timpani drums, and a cymbal. There is no amplification or electronic tone generation with the organ and all sounds are produced by actual instruments or pipes.
Next time you are in Balboa Park, check out the Spreckels Pipe Organ. For concert schedules, visit the Spreckels Organ Society Website
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