“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” — Plato
As we reflect on 76 years of the Jacksonville Symphony, we’ve discovered very important individuals who were crucial to the formation of our great organization. Among these individuals is Greta Challen Berg, a vocalist, opera singer and teacher whose legacy of music and education continues to resonate to this day. While Greta was not the sole contributor to the Symphony’s formation, her work and her family’s ongoing involvement in the arts have left an incredible impact on the cultural landscape of the city.
Born in Ohio on June 15, 1881, to Lieutenant Colonel James R. Challen (a founder of Edgewood in Jacksonville) and Laura A. Challen (Cahoon), Greta was one of four daughters and two sons. Not much is known about Greta’s early life, but it’s assumed she loved to sing from a young age as she pursued training in the states as well as overseas as a young woman. She spent six years studying in Italy and three more in Paris, France, where she refined her skills as a dramatic soprano. These years of training gave her the technical prowess and artistic depth to perform internationally, earning acclaim for her “beautiful voice” and stage presence. She performed all over the United States and several countries around the world, which helped her to learn four languages. There was a program in Jacksonville on April 29, 1911 where she performed songs in English, Italian, French and German along with a famous pianist Marcello Cagnacci.
Beyond her performances, Greta formed meaningful connections with renowned figures in the arts. She was close friends with Anna Klumpke, the artist and biographer of Rosa Bonheur, with whom Greta spent time in New York and Paris. Klumpke even inscribed a copy of her book Rosa Bonheur: Sa Vie, Son Oeuvre to Greta, highlighting their friendship and shared artistic spirit. Through her time spent in Italy, Greta became friends with Mario Braggiotti, a pianist and composer closely associated with George Gershwin. She also developed a connection with Mary Costa, best known as the voice of Princess Aurora in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Greta’s circle spanned a wide range of creative talents, but she was not only a friend to established artists, but she actively supported rising voices as well. Among them was Marian Anderson, the groundbreaking African American contralto who became a powerful symbol in the fight for racial equality. Greta’s interests extended well beyond the world of music and art; she had a passion for sports, especially boxing and baseball, earning her the nickname “Grid Iron Greta” from friends and family. She even showed a knack for recognizing talent early, predicting the success of the legendary Hank Aaron.
When Greta moved to Jacksonville, she formed a friendship with Ninah Cummer through playing the ever-popular game of bridge. Ninah Cummer also became an influential figure in Jacksonville’s arts scene after donating her home, gardens and personal art collection to what became the Cummer Museum in 1961. They were clearly two powerful women who greatly enhanced and influenced other arts organizations in Jacksonville.
In 1949, Greta became one of the original incorporators of the Jacksonville Symphony Association charter and later served as secretary of the board. Her leadership and commitment to the Symphony ensured its early success and sustainability. Greta’s efforts went beyond administrative tasks; she was known to often assist musicians, such as helping repurchase an oboe for a player who continuously pawned it due to personal struggles. These acts of kindness reflected her belief in supporting artists not just professionally but also personally.
Greta’s dedication to music education was equally impactful. She taught countless students, emphasizing technical achievements and emotional expression, leaving a legacy of inspired musicians. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom; she played a significant role in the Friday Musicale Symphony Orchestra that formed in 1890, serving as president from 1950 to 1951, a precursor to the Jacksonville Symphony. Greta’s involvement in the arts was fueled not only by her passion and expertise but also by her keen intellect and understanding of financial stewardship. From a young age, she invested in Gillette stock and closely followed the fluctuations of the stock market. This financial awareness became part of the family’s fabric, passed down to her children and grandchildren, and reinforced a lasting understanding of how smart investments can profoundly support the arts.
Greta’s commitment to the Symphony extended to her family for generations. Her daughter-in-law Margaret Berg, a passionate advocate for the arts, co-chaired The Magic of Music series, an initiative by the Jacksonville Symphony designed to introduce children to classical music. Her son, Randall Berg, became president of the Symphony in 1973 and her grandson, Gilchrist Berg, has served on the Board of Directors for over 32 years. Gilchrist has played a key role in managing the Symphony’s Endowment, applying his expertise in investment and finance—knowledge that has been passed down through the Berg family and has significantly shaped the Symphony’s strategic and financial decisions. For Greta, supporting the Jacksonville Symphony was never just about founding an institution; it was about cultivating a legacy and building a community where music could flourish. Her passion for Jacksonville stemmed from her father, who helped create Edgewood. Later on his brother-in-law, James Stockton purchased the land in Edgewood and developed it as an exclusive, upscale subdivision now known as Avondale. The name was chosen after the Cincinnati neighborhood, where Greta and her family lived previously.
All in all, Greta Challen Berg’s life embodies the transformative power of music. As a vocalist, educator and advocate, her work with the Jacksonville Symphony and other music-focused organizations has left a great mark on the cultural landscape of Florida. Her legacy, enriched by her connections to influential artists and her family’s ongoing commitment to the arts, serves as a reminder of the enduring value of music and education in our world.
