ametuer opera companies

Actually, is there any such thing as an amateur opera company? I don't believe I have come across one. I worked in the UK with Pro-am (Professional musicians, director, conductor and leads, amateur chorus and crew.) on more tham one occasion but I feel that a full scale amateur Opera company would be difficult. I know we have G&S Societies in every State but that is operetta. I have for example never heard of a fully amateur "Aida". (The Verdi not the Elton John.) Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au