The Society

The Sir Arthur Sullivan Society is a registered charity which aims to inform the public about, and promote the performance of, the music of Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842-1900) and other contemporaneous British composers, by means of the presentation of publications, recordings, lectures, concerts and other activities. The Society’s constitution can be read here.

As well as his celebrated operatic collaboration with W.S. Gilbert, Sullivan composed in practically every musical genre: oratorio, cantata, ceremonial works, symphony, concerto, overture, incidental music for the stage, piano and chamber works, songs, hymns and anthems. There are also ten operas with other librettists. The Society has sponsored numerous CDs of these works and encouraged many performances. Membership is open to all who are in sympathy with our aims. Benefits include a fully illustrated magazine three times a year and regular newsletters giving details of forthcoming performances and recordings. An annual residential weekend Festival is centred around a performance of major works by Sullivan, supported by an extensive range of recitals and talks. Recent Festival venues have included Edinburgh, Portsmouth, Cirencester, Ely and Stockport. The Society has an extensive sales catalogue of CDs, booklets and libretti, many of which are unavailable elsewhere. The Society's library contains unique performing material, much of it available for hire.