A father’s reflection of his first visit to The Royal South Street Eisteddfod
At 8:15am on a morning punctuated by rain and sun, the Novice Solo Classical 6 years under 8 contestants gather from around the state, all with their hopes and dreams.…
Read MoreA First Step That Changed Everything – A reflection by Hayden Morgan
This reflection is from Hayden Morgan (2026 – Age 16) on his experience entering the Composition Section in the 2025 Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod. The Royal South…
Read MoreA New Treasure for RSSS
For more than 134 years, the Royal South Street Society (RSSS) has nurtured generations of performers through its Ballarat Eisteddfod — providing a stage where young musicians, singers, dancers and…
Read MoreA Star is Born – Fiona Jopson
Herald Sun Aria Winner, 2015 Where did life begin for you? I grew up in the small town of Scone in NSW in the wine and horse region of the…
Read MoreAccompanist of the Future – Success Story with Poppy Robertson
In 2025, the Ballarat Eisteddfod struck a powerful new chord. For the very first time, we introduced an “Accompanist and Solo” section — created to celebrate the art of accompaniment…
Read MoreAmy Bickford 2009 RSSS Most Graceful Girl Winner
“I felt as though I had practiced all I could and that I was the most ready that I could ever be. With so much support from my teammates and…
Read MoreCaroline Almonte Recognised for Pianistic Excellence
Melbourne pianist Caroline Almonte has won the Excellence in Classical Music Award in the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards, which were announced at Brisbane’s Powerhouse on 9 October. This…
Read MoreDame Kiri performance at Her Majesty’s
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performed in Ballarat on 30 October 2016 where the internationally acclaimed opera singer first won the Herald Sun Aria in 1966 at Royal South Street. Dame…
Read MoreDaughters of Dance
A brief and biased history of Dance and Calisthenics in Ballarat in recent times, and its relationship with the RSSS Competitions. A. M. Cole, as at February 2000 And so…
Read MoreElizabeth Ellinor Morcom (1909–2000)
Elizabeth Ellinor Jane Morcom (1909–2000), musician, was born on 5 June 1909 at Cambrian Hill, Victoria, younger daughter of Edwin Morcom, teacher, and his wife Ellen, née Osbourne, both Victorian-born.…
Read MoreFlorence Lee Memorial Prize – History
The late Florence Lee was a piano teacher who supported Royal South Street Society. She continued to show an interest in young pianists well into her nineties and came each…
Read MoreFrank Robertson-Smith Award – History
Frank Robertson-Smith Dip.Mus., M.Mus. (organ performance), L.Mus.A., LTCL,ARCO, Dip.Ed., TTTC Born in Ballarat, Frank attended Macarthur Street and Ballarat High Schools, before joining the office staff at the Wendouree…
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