Opera Philadelphia at Wanamaker Building for One Night

Opera Philadelphia staged a one-night-only "Home for the Holidays" concert inside the Wanamaker Grand Court, turning the former Macy's building into a temporary concert hall on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The concert featured Opera Philadelphia's orchestra and chorus, dancers, and the Wanamaker Organ. It was recorded for broadcast on WHYY, airing on Monday, Dec. 23, at 8 p.m.

Company General Director and President Anthony Roth Costanzo said the focus was to bring new life to a place many regard as home.

"We love activating this space, making it come alive, and reminding people that this is Philadelphia's living room," he said in a statement shared with CBS News Philadelphia.

Philadelphia soprano Leah Hawkins, who now performs with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, returned home to her Philadelphia roots to sing, marking a standout moment of the evening.

"There's nothing like coming home and being loved on by those who knew you when," Hawkins said to CBS News Philadelphia.

Tuesday's event is part of the PIPE UP! series, which is bringing performances featuring the famous Wanamaker Organ to the Wanamaker Building throughout the season. If you missed Tuesday's concert, Wanamaker's holiday performances will continue this month. The Bearded Ladies Cabaret will present five shows in partnership with PIPE UP! under the title "It's Giving Cabaret."