Performance History
Celebrating more than four decades of performance, passion and community.
For over 40 years, Southwest Opera Company has brought opera, musical theatre and choral performance to audiences across the South West.
Every production has been made possible by the passion, dedication and generosity of our performers, volunteers, creative teams and supporters.
From beloved classics to contemporary productions, each performance has become part of SWOC’s rich history, creating lasting memories both on stage and in the audience.
The Beginning
South West Opera Company, then known as Bunbury Choral Society, forms with just 16 members.
The Merry Widow
SWOC performs their first full production, The Merry Widow, at the newly opened Bunbury Entertainment Centre, attracting 2,000 people.
Die Fledermaus
SWOC tours Die Fledermaus to eight towns across WA, celebrates the opening of the Bunbury Art Gallery, performs at the Mayor’s Variety Concert and more!
Les Misérables
BREC and SWOC collaborate to premiere Les Misérables. Over 150 people are involved, and the show is seen by a record-breaking 6,000 people.
Carmen
The Company’s 10th anniversary and first full-scale opera, Bizet’s Carmen. Performances sell out in seven towns, including Fremantle and Bunbury.
The Pirates of Penzance
SWOC tours The Pirates of Penzance across WA, performs at many city events, and hosts their first annual Christmas Concert.
Fiddler on the Roof & Orpheus in the Underworld
Double duty – SWOC performs two major productions. Fiddler on the Roof and Orpheus in the Underworld both tour successfully in Bunbury, Mandurah and Albany.
Sleeping Lions & Broadway Blitz
SWOC records their first CD Sleeping Lions, and tours Broadway Blitz to Donnybrook, Burekup, Busselton, Augusta and Bunbury.
Zarzuela & Carousel
Collaborating with Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Co., SWOC puts on WA’s first outdoor Zarzuela, and later tours Carousel to Bunbury, Busselton and Albany.
20th Anniversary & The Gipsy Baron
A masquerade ball marks SWOC’s 20th anniversary before their production of The Gipsy Baron thrills audiences across the South West.
La Traviata & Trial by Jury
La Traviata is sung in Harvey, Busselton and Bunbury. Trial by Jury entertains audiences in Manjimup, Bunbury and Busselton.
Oliver! & the SWOClets
Oliver! is performed at BREC and 35 children make their debut with the Company. The Company’s junior choir, the SWOClets, is born.
The Wizard of Oz
60 cast members take to the stage for The Wizard of Oz. SWOC’s adult chorus and the SWOClets both enjoy Eisteddfod success.
Beauty and the Beast
A talented cast of 45, accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra, enchant audiences with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
The Magic Flute & Cinderella
The SWOClets perform The Magic Flute with Opera Australia. SWOC stages an award-winning production of Cinderella, and the Musical Theatre Group is formed.
Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof returns to Bunbury with a full orchestra and a cast of over 60. The SWOClets perform The Marriage of Figaro with Opera Australia.
The Phantom of the Opera
SWOC’s most ambitious production yet, The Phantom of the Opera, plays to standing ovations from sold-out crowds and wins several Finley Awards.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic forces SWOC to cease rehearsals and performances for the first time in the Company’s 34-year history.
SWOC Returns
SWOC returns stronger than ever with performances at Bunbury Fringe, concerts in Balingup and Harvey, and a new production of Les Misérables.
Italy & The Pirates of Penzance
Singers head to Italy to take part in the Verona Garda Estate International Choral Festival. A swashbuckling staging of The Pirates of Penzance swings into BREC.
Carmen Returns
Carmen returns to Bunbury, with former SWOClets in the leading roles, attracting rapturous applause from record-breaking crowds.
Our history is about more than the shows we’ve staged. It’s about the friendships formed, the skills developed, the young performers inspired and the community we’ve built together through a shared love of the performing arts.
Each production represents hundreds of volunteer hours, countless rehearsals and the collective effort of people committed to bringing exceptional live performance to our region.
More Than Performances
Be Part Of Our Next Chapter
Our story continues with every rehearsal, every performance and every new member who joins the SWOC family.
Whether you’re interested in performing, volunteering or supporting the arts, we’d love to welcome you.