WGSLO, founded in 1957, is committed to the promotion of light opera including the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, through regular productions and recitals/concerts of a high standard. The productions are to involve a range of performers from amateur to professional, providing a training ground for advancing talent, and to be attractive to a wide audience. This emphasis on musical quality has over the years assisted several Mobil/Lexus Song Quest finalists, winners and other performers in their development, some advancing to a professional career in opera. In 2007, the 50th anniversary of its founding, WGSLO celebrated with a production of Offenbach's only Grand Opera. The Tales of Hoffmann, marking a transition from essentially G&S repertoire to include other works of high musical value and appeal outside the G&S canon every third year, continuing this with production of Johann Strauss II's Die Fledermaus in 2010. WGSLO has for some time given performances at Southward's Theatre, Kapiti, as well as a Wellington or Lower Hutt venue, but from 2005 onwards extended its productions by touring to other centres in the region, including Masterton, Palmerston North, and Wanganui. As a non-profit society of cultural interest, WGSLO's articles of incorporation forbid distribution to members of any profit. If wound up, assets are required to be gifted to a similar organisation. Grants from cultural organisations and trusts and donations by individuals form a significant proportion of the funding necessary to mount productions at the desired level, and overheads are low, principally maintenance of a store of sets, props, technical assets, music and wardrobe at a location in Upper Hutt. There are no salaried staff. Auditions and rehearsals are held at Te Whaea (the National School of Dance and Drama) in Newtown. WGSLO enjoys co-operative support from the Vector Wellington Orchestra, New Zealand School of Music, NBR New Zealand Opera, and the professional musical community.
Website
Acronym
WGSLO
Company Address
Wellington
New Zealand
Year Founded
1957
Company Type
Semi-pro
Active Status
Active
About the Company
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