Our history        

     In 1975, inspired by a vist to Australia of the famous bass-baritone Hans Hotter, Melbourne based singer and teacher Loris Synan decided to investigate whether a State Society could be formed to keep the art of lieder and art song performance before the public. The idea was taken up by many of Melbourne's finest musicians and the Lieder Society was born. Loris became president, and an active Committee was elected that included, as its first Secretary, her late husband, Alan McArthur. Together their tireless work ensured the Society's early success and growth.
    The Bicentenary Schubert Festival - a series of thirty concerts spanning the years 1993 to 1997, during which time the entire Schubert song repertoire was presented in roughly chronological order - was a mammoth project undertaken by the society. Christopher Barling's vision and guidance of the project, together with his meticulous reasearch, resulted in a Schubert Festival which has not been equaled anywhere in the world.
    The National Liederfest, begun in 1981, provides encouragement for aspiring concert performers. Singers and pianists compete for over $12,000 in prizes and scholarships.
    Recitals and concerts which include singers and pianists from our membership, aim to stimulate awareness of the art song amongst the wider community.
    Informal social occasions, seminars and student masterclasses are also part of our year's activites.