San Diego is triply blessed. First, there was the unprecedented generosity of the Spreckels family, who caused the great organ to be built for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915. Then later came the Spreckels Organ Society, who thoroughly refurbished the great organ, bringing it to its present top form. And now comes Dr. Carol Williams, civic organist.
Dr. Williams programs weekly free concerts at 2pm on Sundays. You will frequently find her at the keyboard, and often in the company of other accomplished musicians. View upcoming programs at
www.sosorgan.com.
One needs no musical expertise to enjoy these concerts, and they bring a welcome respite from the exhaustion of the usual tourist activities, like trekking the zoo. The organ is simply magnificent and, although such an instrument is usually found in a cathedral, this one seems uncannily at home in the outdoors.
The summer sun can be brutal. Bring an umbrella, or rent one on site.