Ring in the holidays in grand style at one of Philadelphia’s architectural treasures. The mansion’s 1902 Haskell pipe organ, with its elegant case and historic presence, takes center stage. Restored to full glory in late 2023, this magnificent instrument represents both artistry and ingenuity.
Organist and Curtis Institute Fellow Isza Wu will showcase the organ’s rich tonal palette, from shimmering highs to resonant bass—thanks in part to the ingenious “Haskelling” bass pipes. The holiday program includes beloved classical pieces and festive hymns, and guests are warmly invited to participate in a carol sing-along, a joyful celebration of tradition, music, and the season.
This holiday season, we're dedicating the Glen Foerd Christmas tree to local efforts to fight hunger in our community. With a $10 donation, add your name to the tree in a festive show of community spirit and generosity. All proceeds will go to Philabundance. Follow the link to donate.
Isabella Isza Wu is an organist and pianist currently residing in Washington, DC. She most recently graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music with a Master’s Degree in Organ Performance, where she was organ scholar at St. Clement's Church and an Assistant Organist at the Wanamaker Organ, under the direction of Peter Richard Conte.
Classically trained from the age of 5, Isabella made her orchestral debut at the age of 12 with the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Now an extensive collaborator and performer, Isabella has worked with several composers, conductors, and instrumentalists as both organist and pianist. Recent appearances include performances at Boardwalk Hall, Ocean Grove Auditorium, Longwood Gardens, Overture Hall (WI), Princeton University, and Yale University, as well as summer appearances at the Brevard Music Festival with JoAnn Falletta (Saint-Saen’s Organ Symphony), Amherst Early Music Festival, the Organ Historical Society, and Academia Internacional de Órgano en Castilla.
An extremely versatile musician, Isabella draws upon a diverse musical background, including from additional studies in harpsichord, improvisation, conducting, violin, voice, and percussion. She has led and taught many music education programs, including a music course for patients with Alzheimer's and their caregivers at the Penn Memory Center through University of Pennsylvania. She has also taught and interned at other award-winning educational programs, including the People's Music School (Chicago), Northwestern Academy of Music and Special Education, and Madison Symphony Orchestra.
Isabella is originally from Madison, WI, and received her Bachelor’s Degrees in Piano Performance and Communication Studies from Northwestern University. Her mentors include Alan Morrison, Leon Schelhase, Jeffrey Brillhart, Mary Javian, and Eric Budzynski.