Throughout the depression and war, in good times and bad, the society has continuously endeavoured to achieve its aims, to make known the works of

through the actions of people who care for them ...
and always to do this better.

A Brief History

The inaugural meeting of the Society was held on 14 August 1935, when Professor W Skeats was elected Chairman and Mr Harry Stewart as Secretary. Speakers included Mr Bernard Manning, Mr Frank Tait and Professor Bernard Heinze, who offered the use of the Conservatorium of Music as the Society's first home.

Initially monthly meetings were held comprising programmes of solo items from the Operas, plays of W S Gilbert and reading from his Bah Ballads, followed later by complete Acts from the Operas consequent upon the appointment in April 1936 of Mr Lennox Brewer as Musical Director.

The first complete performance with scenery, costumes and orchestra took place at the King's Theatre in Russell Street, Melbourne, on 24 October 1936 when The Sorcerer was presented under the baton of Mr J Sutton Crow. After a performance of Utopia Limited, a six night season of The Gondoliers was presented at His Majesty's Theatre. Since then, full-scale productions have continually been presented.

In the 1960's a successful touring company, principally under the management of Mr M R Sinclair, travelled country and suburban centres until the heavy pressure of rehearsal time necessitated its disbandment. Our performance home moved to MLC Ladies College in Kew, from whence, in 1985, we trialed and then moved to the National Theatre in St Kilda.

From 1990 to 2001 performances were at The Phoenix Theatre at Deakin University in Burwood (apart from a few November productions at the Union Theatre, Melbourne University).

In 2002 we moved to The Alexander Theatre, Monash University.

A Concert Party has been formed, performing items from the Operas at suburban localities. In addition, we regularly perform our productions at country locations.