What we do...

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The Opera Society is a not-for-profit incorporated society, committed to supporting Opera Australia in Victoria and providing scholarships for young singers through the Melba Opera Trust. Opera Australia is dedicated to enriching Australia’s cultural life with exceptional operas that excite audiences, and to sustaining and developing this wonderful art form.

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Members enjoy access to Opera Australia performances which have open dress rehearsals (for a handling fee). Insights offer members a rare opportunity to meet some of the artistic team and hear artists perform works from selected Opera Australia productions. A small fee applies.  Members are invited to attend lunches and other social events which include operatic entertainment.

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The Society makes an annual payment to Opera Australia in support of its productions, and two Opera Australia artists are supported by our Artist Support Gift payments: in 2026 they are Stacey Alleaume and Stephen Marsh.

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The Society also provides funds for three Melba Trust Scholarships each year: the Eleanor Blakemore Opera Society Scholarship, the Max & Jill Schultz Opera Society Scholarship and the newly created Valma Allaway Opera Society Scholarship. Recipients in 2026 are Sophie Blades, Soprano, Eleanor Blakemore Opera Society Scholarship, Lachlan Higgins, Baritone, Max & Jill Schultz Opera Society Scholarship and Chloe James, Mezzo-soprano, Valma Allaway Opera Society Scholarship.​​

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Singers from Opera Australia and the Melba Trust entertain Society members and their guests at the quarterly lunches each year.

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Click on an artist's name above to read more. This will open a new web page.

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