Heinicke’s Grand Orchestra

Adelaide’s first successful permanent orchestra was established in 1893 by Hermann Heinicke (1863-1949), a German violinist who had arrived in South Australia in 1890 to join the staff of the Adelaide College of Music in Wakefield Street.  The Adelaide College of Music was founded in 1883 by Immanuel Reimann (1859-1932).  The nucleus for the Grand Orchestra came from Charles Cawthorne’s 15 member Adelaide Orchestra.  Charles Cawthorne (1854-1925) became the orchestra’s very able manager.  Heinicke’s Grand Orchestra gave its debut performance on May 31st, 1893, at an Adelaide Liedertafel Concert in the Adelaide Town Hall.  The orchestra’s Leader was A.C. Quinn, and ranged from 35 to 45 male musicians.

- Robert Brown