“Up until last year, we existed in our own little corner in the world, but now we meet with each other,” Lakeshore publicity director Philip Magder said.

“It’s made a huge difference, because we’ve always sort of been rivals,” Lakeshore president Carol Johansen said.

Now, Montreal’s three Gilbert and Sullivan companies have put down their jousting sticks and held hands.

They share scripts and costumes, and this Friday, they share the stage.

Friday’s show will feature highlights in choral format from each of the three productions being performed this year.

Choral performances present the music in its essence, without costumes or acting.

Hail! Unity also offers the public an opportunity to purchase season tickets to the 2009 productions of “The Yeomen of the Guard” (McGill Savoy Society), “The Gondoliers” (Lakeshore Light Opera) and “Princess Ida” (Montreal West Operatic Society) at a reception following the concert.

Last year, roughly 150 people attended the charity concert to see performances of Ruddigore, H.M.S. Pinafore and The Mikado.

“It was a hit the first time and we had so much fun doing it, that we’ve decided to do it again,” Magder wrote in a release previewing this Friday’s event.

The concert will take place on Friday, January 23, at St. George’s Anglican Church, 1101 Stanley corner de la Gauchetière in downtown Montreal (Metro Bonaventure, across from Windsor Station) at 8 p.m.

<@Ri>Tickets to Hail! Unity are $15 and $8 and may be purchased by calling the Lakeshore Light Opera box office (514 804-4900) or at the door.

Funds raised at the concert will be divided equally among the three groups for distribution to their usual charities.

Season tickets cost $55 for all three companies – $40 for students and seniors.

McGill Savoy Society are the first to kick off their season on February 18, followed by Lakeshore on February 27 and the Montreal West later in May.<@$p>