This huge pipe organ was nearly demolished before a group of San Diegans to together and raised the money needed to restore the organ and pavilion.
The organist was British and complimented the audience (many of whom were hunkered down under umbrellas) on their tenacity! She said the weather was very British, so didn't bother her so much. But notice she is wearing a pretty warm jacket!
She actually played "Flight of the Bumblebee" using the foot peddles rather than the keyboard!
The huge pavilion occupies the center of Balboa Park and has seating for several hundred.
The massive structure houses the huge pipe organ. We learned that the large pipes in the front are largely for show - only fifteen of these pipes have a "voice" and even those are seldom used!
The highlight of the show was the dogs!
First the San Diego Humane Society showed six dogs available for adoption.
Then came the pet parade. Most were simply pets and owners.
This dog, aptly named "Chopper," rode a remotely controlled motorcycle and was a big hit with the crowd.
After the concert, we were invited to tour the inside of the pavilion. We got to see the pipes that actually make the music! The volume is controlled by large louvers that close off the pipes from the outside as the organist adjusts the pedal control.
Just before the concert, we caught sight of a photographic shoot with models in a designers latest creations. The models did a marvelous job of looking warm in spite of the cool weather, thin dresses, and misting rain!
Finally, after the concert we walked across the street to the International Houses.
Each of these cottages is decorated to reflect a country staffed by volunteers who represent that particular country. The purpose is twofold: to inform the public about the country, and to provide a meeting place for people of a given nationality.
We visited Poland, England, Ireland, United States, and several others in about an hour.
No comments:
Post a Comment