About Us
Our Purpose
We love
We are
We promote
We host
We fundraise
the operatic art form and we love to support those pursuing a career in opera.
a not-for-profit incorporated body committed to supporting and assisting opera in Western Australia.
awareness of, and enthusiasm for, opera, and young artists starting their career journeys.
events for our members and their guests, where you can enjoy refreshments and meet artists and other opera lovers. We present performances, rehearsals and talks in both intimate and luxurious settings by young artists, established WA professionals and national stars.
to invest in opera in Western Australia, and to assist those pursuing an operatic career. We sponsor West Australian Opera's Young Artist Program, and other causes for the advancement of opera in WA.
Our Committee
Helen Brown is a singer and singing teacher who is passionate about Opera and giving performing opportunities to singers. She is currently teaching classical voice and Lyric Diction at W.A.A.P.A. Helen also sings in the chorus of WA Opera.
An Opera Lovers member since 2011, Irene became Vice President in 2016. Prior to retirement, Irene worked in a senior policy role for justice and public sector management in the WA State Government. While studying music at school Irene was introduced to opera by her mother and she has continued to enjoy and appreciate opera ever since.
Our Constitution
In accordance with the requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-For Profits Commission that all charities need governing documents, the Society of Opera Lovers WA (Inc) formed its constitution in 2013, with amendments being made in 2017.
The constitution sets out the objectives for Opera Lovers, how it operates and the way the committee makes decisions and consults members.
Margaret Stockton
Commitee Member
Margaret joined Opera Lovers in 2008 and became President in 2015. She is a retired management consultant. Following a career in social work and managing Government services, she has provided management advice for both Government and non-Government services and has extensive experience on boards and committees.
Alexandra Lawson
Committee Member
Alexandra is a classical and musical theatre singer, dancer and actor. She is keen to promote opera in WA.
David Wickham
Committee Member
David is a pianist specialising in song and opera. He is committed to helping artists achieve their potential, and to bringing opera to the widest possible audience.
Helen Brown
President
Irene Kempa
Vice - President
Nigel Penfold
Treasurer
Nigel is a retired Chartered Accountant who has worked across a range of industries. During eight years with the WA Department of the Arts he worked with Perth arts agencies and later served on the boards of Form, Ausdance and Buzz Dance Theatre. He served as treasurer for Rostrum WA, and as honorary auditor for a variety of not-for-profit organisations, including the Lieder Society and the Opera Lovers.