 Through these early years the company made a major contribution to the popularization of Opera through its highly successful schools touring productions of specially commissioned works employing and giving work and experience to younger singers from the company.Another highlight of these years was a production of Donizetti's "Maria Stuarda" in July 1976, directed by Robin Lovejoy with a cast including Nance Grant and June Bronhill conducted by Richard Divall.This was to be the last opera produced under the Victoria Opera Company banner.