ACT Heritage Library Manuscript Collection

HMSS 0193 Canberra City Opera Records

Scope and content notes

Canberra City Opera was formed in 1983, as the ANU Opera Workshop, by David Parker, head of the Vocal Department at the Canberra School of Music (CSM). It began rehearsals in July 1983, and was launched at a garden party at Government House on 11 February 1984. Its aim was to provide opera singing and performance experience for young singers, including CSM undergraduates. When the CSM became autonomous in 1986 the group changed its name to the CSM Opera Workshop.

In 1989 it was incorporated as Canberra City Opera, with its own board. At this time its aim was to give performance opportunities to graduates and other local professional singers, repetiteurs, artistic directors, musical directors and musicians. The company was supported by a Friends and Subscribers group.

In February 1993, the Music Committee of the ACT Cultural Council instigated a series of meetings on the future of opera in Canberra. In November it was proposed to amalgamate Canberra City Opera and Opera ACT under the name National Capital Opera, but Canberra City Opera finally decided to remain an independent company.

The company’s last performance was in December 1997, financial considerations causing it to disband in 1998. Remaining cash assets were given to the Canberra School of Music to provide financial assistance to promising singers in their musical studies. The first two grants were made for the 2000 academic year.

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