Art Song Perth (formerly Lieder Society of Western Australia Inc.) was formed in 1990 in order to provide an opportunity for singers to perform Art Song. Allison Fyfe, Ronald Macqueen and Jill Sullivan were the founding members and the Society was incorporated in January 1991
The first recital was held in April 1991. Artists who have performed for the Society have included Andrew Foote, Kathryn McCusker, Molly McGurk, Fiona Campbell, Aldo di Toro, Lisa Harper-Brown, Sara Macliver, Rachelle Durkin, Merlyn Quaife, Rowena Cowley and Peter Ziethen
Recitals initially took place in the private home of one of the members. Subsequent venues have included His Majesty’s Theatre, The Eileen Joyce Studio and The Callaway Auditorium at The University of Western Australia. The Society currently performs at Trinity Uniting Church in the City of Perth.
Masterclasses in Lied and Art Song have been given by many noted artists including Rowena Cowley, Merlyn Quaife and Peter Ziethen.
The Ralph Thompson Memorial Scholarship was established in 1994. Ralph Thompson was the husband of Evelyn Thompson. Evelyn was one of Perth’s leading accompanists and vocal coaches, and has supported the Lieder Society since its inception.
The Scholarship was first held in 1994. The inaugural winner was accompanist Richard John. Subsequent winners have been: Jocelyn Hickey, Rachelle Durkin and Tommaso Pollio (joint winners), Mark Alderson, Luke Gabbedy, Gillian Ramm, Tamsyn Stock-Stafford, Stuart Haycock, Duncan Rock, Ngaire Greenwood and Alexandra Bak.
In 2007, in conjunction with the Scholarship, the Committee decided to give an ‘Encouragement Award’ and the inaugural winner of the Anne Watson Encouragement Award was Jane Artelaris.
