“Choir Entrance” at the Great Auditorium of Ocean Grove. Painting by Jack Bredin of OG. September 2021. Ted Aanensen calls our attention to “All singers welcome.”
“TRUMPET VOLUNTARY BY JEREMIAH CLARKE” with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
An Ocean Grove trumpeter named Harry Eichhorn often walked through these doors to create beautiful music.
Another marvelous trumpeter here is Phillip Smith, formerly of the New York Philharmonic. Phil is a music legend.
We have some fine musicians in the Grove, and the classical music in The Great Auditorium is legendary.
Thanks to the late Jack Bredin whose eyes and ears are always tuned into the wonders of Ocean Grove.
(Paul Goldfinger, Editor, Blogfinger.net)
The first mention of a choir in the press was that that led by Prof. Feicher in 1876. It seems likely they merely led the hymns rather than performed anthems. In 1878, Prof. Sweney assumed the post and was described as having a sweet voice.
In 1889, he organized what was called the “Auditorium Choir.” Sweney wrote many hymns including one with seaside references:
“A wave is rolling o’re the land, With heavy undertow; and voices sounding on the strand; The rum saloon shall go.”
The modern choir likely began in 1898 with the arrival of Tali Esen Morgan who promoted major choir works. To better accommodate the choir, the flat platform of the 1894 Auditorium was altered so as to provide for the current tiered seating in 1900.