The Society began in the 1940's as a CWA (Country Women's Association) choir, concentrating on choral works. There was also at that time, a CWA male choir who later combined with the ladies and formed the Mountain District Choral Society.

The group then added concert versions of Gilbert and Sullivan operattas and excerpts from popular shows to its repertoire. In 1977, under the musical direction of Val Kewish, assisted by the late Margaret Proctor, the company staged its first G&S, Trial by Jury.

These performances became an annual event. Early venues included school and community halls in Ferntree Gully, Emerald, Upwey and Boronia.

1n 1984, the Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood, became the home of our stage productions which so far have taken place mid-year since then.

The society also performs annual concerts in spring and these are usually a choral type performance. Many oratorio, cantatas and classical works have been performed over the years and have included well-known works such as:

Maunder's OLIVET TO CALVARY

Handel's ACIS and GALATEA

Mozart's CORONATION MASS

Vivaldi's GLORIA

Faure's REQUIEM

Britten's CEREMONY OF CAROLS

Handel's MESSIAH

Hayden's MASS IN THE TIME OF WAR

 

The following people are life members of MDMS in appreciation of their hard work and commitment to the society:

HEATHER DUNNE

VAL KEWISH (Dec)

JOHN COLLINS

MAY COOK

TONY WORLEY

OLIVE CONNELL

TRISH GUTHRIE-JONES

In addition to this, Maureen Byers was awarded an outstanding service award.

 

In 1997, the company changed its name to MOUNTAIN DISTRICT MUSICAL SOCIETY and it is commonly known today as "MDMS".

The Society currently performs a one-off concert in Autumn, a musical mid-year, a staged variety performance in Spring and carols at Christmas time. MDMS prides itself on its family atmosphere and new members are ALWAYS welcome.