YORK Light Opera Company and York Opera will join together on Sunday for An Evening Of Song, a unique concert in aid of the York Theatre Royal's capital-fundraising appeal, now only £65,000 short of its £4.1 million target.

The two companies are among the oldest amateur societies n the city and both have a long association with the Theatre Royal. This weekend, they will perform in the De Grey Rooms Ballroom as individual companies, before uniting for the very first time for a show-stopping finale.

York Light Opera Company was founded in 1953, making its debut with No, No Nanette at the Empire Theatre – now the Grand Opera House – in March the following year. The society moved to the Theatre Royal in 1960 with a production of Brigadoon and has played there for two weeks each year ever since.

York Opera was formed in 1966 under the name of City Opera Group, York, originally to fill a perceived gap in the musical life of the city. Although there were two first-rate amateur companies already performing musicals, there was no opportunity for those wanting to sing opera; cue the arrival of the City Opera Group. In 1986, the society moved its main annual production to the Theatre Royal.

Geoff Turner, York Light's chairman, says: "Throughout our history, we've built an enviable reputation for producing shows to a professional standard and we take great pride in continuing our tradition of bringing brand new musicals to York Theatre Royal, as well as breathing new life into old favourites. York Light is proud to be joining with York Opera to support the redevelopment of this lovely theatre."

Hilary Dyson, York Opera's chairman, shares Geoff's enthusiasm. "It's a pleasure to be able to join forces with York Light for this venture; we're privileged to be able to perform at York Theatre Royal and so we're proud to contribute directly to fundraising for the capital project."

York Press:

York Theatre Royal's auditorium, September 2015. Picture: Roger Keech Productions

York Theatre Royal’s re-development will cost £4.1 million and in October last year the theatre launched a fundraising appeal to raise the last £500,000 still needed. Since then, groups and members of the public have donated their time and money, not least almost £19,000 from bucket collections at this summer's performances of The Railway Children and In Fog And Falling Snow at the National Railway Museum, the Theatre Royal's temporary residency.

Vicky Biles, the Theatre Royal's general manager, says: "We're extremely grateful to York Light and York Opera for giving their time and their voices to support our fundraising appeal. We have just £65,000 left to raise, thanks to the generosity of the public and all our supporters.

"An Evening Of Song will not only be an entertaining night for the audience, it will also raise vital funds that will help to ensure we see both companies back on stage at York Theatre Royal in 2016.

Tickets for Sunday's 7.30pm concert are on sale at £10 with an optional suggested donation of £5, which may be eligible for Gift Aid. All proceeds will go towards the Theatre Royal's capital fundraising appeal.