ABOUT THE 72nd ANNUAL CHOIR FESTIVAL in OCEAN GROVE
Anchored in Hope: A Festival of Faith and Song
Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 7 PM
The Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, New Jersey
A mass choir of singers from all over the northeast
Renowned conductors leading 10 great anthems
The Great Auditorium Quartet
Brass Ensemble
Dr. Gordon Turk on the Great Auditorium organ
Registration
There is no charge to register for this event. A free will offering will be taken during the service.
Please register by July 1. Although there is no charge to participate in the festival, your registration in advance helps us to plan the event. Thank you for joining us!
This Year’s Anthems
| Composer / Arranger | Title | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Hogan | "My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord" | Hal Leonard |
| Beethoven | "Hallelujah from Mount of Olives" | Schirmer |
| Pepper Choplin | "Glory in the Lord*" | Lorenz |
| Bainton | "And I saw a new Heaven" | Novello |
| Widor / Arr. Willcocks | "Sing!" | Oxford |
| Joseph Martin | "Because He Lives*" | Shawnee |
| arr. Dan Forrest | "And Can it Be (Version with orchestration)*" | Beckenhorst |
| arr. Wilberg | "It is well with my Soul" | Oxford |
| Boesiger | "Christ Arose" | |
| arr. Alice Parker | "Hark I Hear the Harp Eternal" | Alfred |
Obtaining Music
Participants are responsible for obtaining their own music.
Music from Your Own Library
If you are using anthems from your own library, be sure that the publisher, composer/arranger, and version (SATB) match the list above.
Ordering Music
Packet cost for 2026 is $26.50 per person plus shipping.
To order, visit Lōser’s Music, Inc. (click the button below) and click the “Ocean Grove 2026” link in the orange menu bar.
Phone: 717-272-0381
Email: losers@lmf.net
Preparing for the Choir Festival
Prior To The Festival
Anthems should be learned before attending the on-site rehearsal on the Festival day.
Rehearsals in Ocean Grove
Note that the Watch links in the second column below will become active at the time of the rehearsals.
Regional Rehearsals
Several choirs extend invitations for choir participants in their area. Look for “Regional Rehearsal” entries in this calendar for rehearsal sessions that are convenient to you.
If you are willing to host open rehearsals in your area, please email choir@oceangrove.org.
EVENT DAY INFORMATION
Concert Day Schedule
This page will be updated with a schedule of events available throughout the day of the Choir Festival.
Dinner Options
1) There will be no Choir Festival Dinner this year
Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of our control, we are unable to host the festival dinner as planned. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are grateful for your grace and understanding.
We encourage attendees to explore the many wonderful dining options in the area, and our team is happy to offer recommendations.
2) Local Dining Options
There are restaurants within walking distance in Ocean Grove or Asbury Park. Reservations strongly advised.
Choir Festival Attire
For the Festival, women should wear all white or white tops and black bottoms; men should wear a white shirt, a black tie, and black slacks. (If you are planning to sing in the choir during Sunday morning worship, any church-appropriate attire is acceptable.)
Travel and Parking
Groups Traveling By Bus or Van
We strongly encourage you to join with other singers from your area and come to Ocean Grove in a bus or van.
Automobile Parking
Parking for this event is street parking only. Please arrive in advance to secure a spot.
Extremely limited handicapped parking is available onsite. Groups are encouraged to carpool.
Directions To Ocean Grove
Directions to the Great Auditorium can be obtained at oceangrove.org/directions or by Google Maps.
Prior To The Festival
Anthems should be learned before attending the 1 PM rehearsal on the Festival day.
Festival Day Rehearsal
Ten minutes is allotted for rehearsal of each anthem.