Pittsburgh Savoyards.

Established in 1939, the Pittsburgh Savoyards is the fourth oldest Gilbert and Sullivan company in the United States.

Its origins are described in a tenth anniversary program: "In the fall of 1938 the adult choirs of Calvary Episcopal Church and their friends began rehearsal of Gilbert and Sullivan's P̀irates of Penzance' as a choir camp benefit. Directors were George M. Rowland, Jr. and the late Dr. Harvey Gaul, then organist and choirmaster of Calvary Church. In May, 1939 after a successful two-night run of T̀he Pirates' at the Twentieth Century Club, the directors founded the Pittsburgh Savoyards, the charter membership being drawn from T̀he Pirates' company. The group's purpose was to produce Gilbert and Sullivan and other light operas on a non-profit basis for the enjoyment and education of the membership." Since 1938/39, the Pittsburgh Savoyards has presented several Gilbert and Sullivan operas each season, performing in various local theaters and auditoriums. Other works presented infrequently are "The Devil and Daniel Webster," "Die Fledermaus," and "Amahl and the Night Visitors."

The Savoyards have also sung occasionally at concerts and as an opera chorus.

Burt Mustin, a native Pittsburgher who was later to achieve fame as an actor in national television situation comedies, was active in the organization in the 1940s, singing such roles as the judge in "Trial by Jury," Poo-Bah in "The Mikado," and Sir Joseph Porter in "H.M.S. Pinafore."

From the description of Records, 1939-1974. (University of Pittsburgh). WorldCat record id: 31129623