Victoria State Opera

[2] An attempt to professionalise the company as the Victorian Opera Co was made by Alfred Ruskin, foundation chairman[3] and Peter Burch, general manager (1970–1974),[4] who in 1971 appointed Dame Joan Hammond to the board.

In 1976 Dame Joan Hammond accepted a position at the Victorian College of the Arts and was replaced as chairman by John Day (1976–1982).

[5] Richard Divall instantly made his mark on the company, raising it to a new level of professionalism with a landmark production Of Monteverdi's Coronation of Poppea directed by Rod Anderson and starring Marilyn Richardson.

Another highlight of these years was a production of Donizetti's Maria Stuarda in July 1976, directed by Robin Lovejoy with a cast including Nance Grant and June Bronhill conducted by Richard Divall.

It would concentrate on attracting younger audiences with modern and experimental productions combining opera with music and drama.

The first production under the new banner was Gluck's Orfeo and Eurydice, starring Margaret Field, which opened at the National Theatre, St Kilda on 30 July 1976.

It was a fitting appointment as Sir Rupert had been a vigorous supporter of the building of the Arts Centre Melbourne complex.