Photos: SPRECKELS OPENS ITS CONSOLE

SPRECKELS OPENS ITS CONSOLE

Reviewed by Ron Jessee

Our third AGO-SD event of the 24-25 season was held on November 3rd at the Magnificent Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park. A huge thank you to the Spreckels administrative staff, Raul Preito Ramirez and Dale Sorenson for their efforts to secure the venue. Hats off to Chris Cook who scheduled the event and made sure that all ducks were in a row.

The park was packed with concert goers and tourists. Parking was at a premium. Not to be discouraged, a sizeable entourage arrived to take their turn at the console of the Austin, Opus #475, Four Manual, 75 Rank instrument. No one was disappointed. A big shout-out to Dale Sorenson for facilitating the tour of the instrument, to Russ Peck for demonstrating the breadth of the tonal pallet and to George Butterfield for assisting the players with his expertise at registration.

Co-Deans Cheryl and Wayne Sepalla brought greetings to the attendees and provided a banquet of fresh backed confections for those present. 

One the most interesting aspects of the event was the fascination of the general public, who stayed long past the regular Sunday afternoon concert to enjoy the playing of the musicians who exercised the keyboards. The event seemed to inspire the attendees as they listened to organists, ages 8 to 80, play the magnificent organ. What a great way to advocate for our craft while inspiring future organists.

All in all, it was a grand day in Balboa Park.