In 1932, some members of Normanton Road Congregational Church in Derby decided to stage an opera called "Cupid and The Ogre".

The first performance took place on 11th January 1933, and such was its success that an Operatic Section of the Church was officially formed to present an opera annually and in so doing raise funds for the Church. These shows took place until the outbreak of World War II.

1953 saw the resumption of the Society and in 1954 "Highwayman Love" was staged. Shows became so successful that it was realised larger premises must be sought, and in 1973 the venue for shows became Derby Guildhall

In 1980, following the amalgamation of three churches, it was decided to change the name of the Society to The Central Operatic Society.

Shows continued to be a success and a further move of venue for the main annual production was made in 1997 to Landau Forte College.

Over the years, the Society has raised many hundreds of pounds for the Church to use for its own charitable purposes, and although membership is not restricted to church members, we are happy to state that the entire company enter into many functions with the church throughout the year.

In recent years the Society has expanded its activities to include concerts, murder mysteries and one act plays which help to keep themselves financially secure.