(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Each summer, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) plays a leading role in music on the beautiful Jersey Shore, presenting an exciting, diverse line-up of family entertainment in its famous 6,000-seat Great Auditorium. A key highlight this year is The Philadelphia Boys Choir, one of the most acclaimed choruses of its kind and a veritable institution as“America’s Ambassadors of Song,” having represented both Philadelphia and the USA across the globe. They’ll make their OGCMA debut on Saturday, July 22 at 8:00pm.
The program will include a repertoire of “Songs of American Freedom,” including: Spirit of the Winding Water (Robert S. Cohen/Ronald Cadmus) ; Messages (Bobby McFerrin/Roger Treece); Golden Dream (Randy Bright/Bob Moline); Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber); Holy (Verolga Nix) and Plainchant for America (William Grant Still); African-American Spirituals (arranged by Moses Hogan, Roland Carter, Stacey Gibbs, Linda Twine
The Philadelphia Boys Choir – was established in 1968 to encourage generations of boys from disparate backgrounds to develop musically and personally by mastering a difficult repertoire and gaining a world-class education. Under the direction of Jeffrey R. Smith since 2004, the Choir is renowned for their musicianship, intelligence and interpretive abilities. Both Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated, the Choir has cultivated a devoted following worldwide. Their achievements include recordings with internationally renowned orchestras and soloists, such as Luciano Pavarotti; television appearances; and praise from critics and audiences worldwide. They have collaborated with many ensembles, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philly POPS, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Opera Philadelphia, among them. Their TV appearances include Good Morning America, Saturday Night Live, and The Today Show.
It is Smith who has firmly established the Choir and maintains an extensive concert schedule throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as well as an illustrious international touring program. The 2013 tour took the boys to France with appearances at Notre Dame and the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. In 2014 the Choir travelled to England and Wales with appearances at Kings College and at the Millennium Center in Cardiff. In 2015, they were engaged by a Chinese production company for performances in 15 concert halls over the span of 19 days. In 2017 they returned to Cuba for the fourth time. Their unique relationship with Cuba began when they were the first American performing arts group to perform on Cuban soil in the decades following the revolution. Indeed, many political dignitaries have been an audience to the Choir, including foreign ambassadors, presidents and prime ministers, American ambassadors, and President Barack Obama. Recent and upcoming engagements include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kimmel Center, the Mann Center for Performing Arts and the Academy of Music. The Choir continues to break through social, political, and cultural barriers to invite the most talented boys and men in the region to join in a journey of musical education and discovery.
Jeffrey R. Smith, Artistic Director and Conductor – An alumnus of The Philadelphia Boys Choir, Smith is a 1999 summa cum laude graduate of Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Music in Composition. His original compositions and vocal/instrumental arrangements have been performed by various ensembles throughout the country, including the Toledo Symphony, York Theatre (NYC), Ocean City Pops and Philly POPS. Smith is in much demand as a pianist and has played with the Philadelphia Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, Philly POPS, and for several shows on and Off-Broadway. He is also assistant conductor for the Philly POPS.
Tickets are available online at www.oceangrove.org. $30 General Admission or $15 each for groups of 20 or more. The Great Auditorium is located at Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, and is handicapped accessible.
