INVERNESS OPERA COMPANY
80th Anniversary Book: March 2005

Introduction to the Inverness Opera Company Octogenarian Celebration Book

This book has been written to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the existence of the Inverness Opera Company.

Inverness Opera Company is an operatic society; in fact it is the one of the oldest established operatic societies in the Highlands of Scotland, but the Inverness Opera Company is a lot more than just an operatic society.   Unknown to a surprising number of people, Inverness Opera Company also presents a wide range of musicals and theatrical shows.    Lurking behind its somewhat pretentious name is a mild-mannered and friendly company of talented staff and enthusiastic players. If you have ever trod the boards with song and dance then you are a potential member of the Inverness Opera Company ?perhaps without being aware of it.

There’s much more to the Inverness Opera Company than just presenting shows, however.    Nearly any player can put themselves forward for a working position, ranging from a principal part, showing off their acting and singing prowess, to a committee position, on either the main committee or social committee, or a staff position, where they can demonstrate their production, direction or choreography skills.   Unfortunately many chorus members shy away from taking advantage of the Inverness Opera Company opportunities because of the very high standards that have been established over the years.    The Inverness Opera Company opportunities can be somewhat daunting, which is understandable for such a prestigious organisation, but the truth is that almost any reasonably competent person can learn how to fill one of these positions.    This book will give some insights into some of the behind-the-scenes stories and experiences of both present and past members of the Inverness Opera Company.

This book is aimed at anyone who wants to know what makes the Inverness Opera Company tick or to read amusing anecdotes from behind the scenes.    Perhaps you are only looking to be entertained and amused, or maybe you want to learn something of the history of the Inverness Opera Company.    In either situation, this book is aimed at you.    The book was written specifically with the non-performer in mind.    You do not need to have any acting or singing experience to enjoy this book because everything from being a chorus member to being a member of the production staff is covered in hopefully an amusing and entertaining way.    Of course, if you have some thespian experience, it will not hurt, but the important point is that such experience is not required.

It is my great privilege and pleasure to be asked to write this foreword to this book.    I am privileged to be the Inverness Opera Company chairman during the period of the book’s preparation and publishing.    The role has many responsibilities, with many decisions resting on my shoulders, but I can take comfort in the fact, like the Doge’s of Venice, that I am just the latest in a long line of chairmen.    There is plenty of support within the company from many past chairmen to help and guide me if I require it.    I take great pleasure from the role when the company enjoys acclaim from both patrons and critics for another great production.    The pleasure derives from the choices the committee and I make at the start of the year, when we select the staff that will transform the musical notes and words from the pages into the tangible reality on the stage.    Even before the staff are selected the show selection sub-committee have whittled down the vast array of available shows to three or more shows that would be suitable for the demography of our company.    From these my committee and I select what we believe will show off the Inverness Opera Company at its best and will be of appeal to our discerning audiences.

The Inverness Opera Company encourage young people to be a part of its make-up by informing, involving and inspiring them.    There couldn’t be a better way of doing this than having present and past members of the Inverness Opera Company who have actually done the job to tell youngsters about the company, through the pages and stories in this book.    Here they will find many and varied role models.    Hopefully they will find the Inverness Opera Company a positive choice for their own futures.    The stage is not the hobby for everyone but there are always new opportunities requiring new thinking and new talents.    That’s where you come in ?and that’s where this book will help you consider your first steps.    The Inverness Opera Company can seem a daunting place for people still in education.    If you think you have skills and qualities for the stage and are prepared to embrace the unknown, you will find the Inverness Opera Company more than ready to give you responsibility and reward.

I appreciate the efforts of all the people who have helped make this book happen, in particular David Proudfoot and Matt Smith who had the original inspiration to create this book.    Their tireless efforts, cajoling and encouraging everyone who has contributed to this book have become legendary ?no opportunity was missed in compiling these stories and photographs.    Our thanks also go to all of the contributors for allowing us to share their experiences and memories.