There is no city in the world with the depth and breadth of G&S enthusiasm to rival Philadelphia. Period. Not only are there more groups dedicated wholly or partially to the performance of G&S here than anywhere else, but the tradition of performing G&S has been here longer than any city in the world other than London. In 2006-07, The Savoy Company celebrated its 105th anniversary season, and the following season Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra its 100th. Meanwhile, societies like Ardensingers, G&S Society of Chester County, The Gilbert & Sullivan Players, The Penn Singers, Thespis, Etc., and The Princeton Society for Musical Amateurs continue to produce G&S for Philly-area audiences. Every summer, in the bucolic resort town of Buxton, England, many of the world's G&S performing companies gather together for a three-week adjudicated competition. The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival is for many people the highlight of the season, continues to grow in popularity every year, and is simply an unforgettable experience for every performer fortunate enough to tread the boards there. Unfortunately, for non-British performing societies, simply getting a show to Buxton is a logistic hurdle that's often insurmountable. Sadly, this is as true for Philadelphia's G&S Societies as it is for any. On August 5, 2007, PGSU performed their inaugural production of Iolanthe at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton, England. We were very well received and have gotten an invitation back for 2008. Stay tuned for further news on this summer's production.
