Dame Nellie Melba GBE (1861 –1931) was Australia’s first world-famous opera singer, and one of the greatest celebrities of her day. Born in Richmond, Melbourne, she moved to Paris and went on to enjoy an enormously successful career as a prima donna in Australia, England, Europe and the United States during the early 20th century. 2011 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Dame Nellie Melba.
In addition to her magnificent voice Dame Nellie Melba was celebrated for her strength of character, her demand for excellence, her pioneering drive, patriotism, generosity, her holistic approach to vocal tuition, professionalism and business acumen. The Melba Trust seeks to encourage today’s young singers to develop a similar approach.
Dame Nellie Melba taught at the Melba Conservatorium for many years and was especially fond of the institution. During her lifetime she supported young singers financially and took pride in giving them opportunities. She believed passionately that “a beautiful voice is not enough” and demanded that young singers learn about the presentation and business aspects of life as a professional singer. This is an important part of our philosophy at the Melba Opera Trust.
Melba was protective of her young singers and insisted that they should only sing appropriate repertoire for their stage of development, not taking on too much too soon. At the Melba Opera Trust, we focus on the need for a young singer to mature at the right pace.
When she died in 1931 she bequeathed a generous amount of money dedicated to the development of young singers “in the hope that another Melba may arise”. This unique and direct legacy from Dame Nellie Melba is strengthened by the continued patronage of her granddaughter Pamela, Lady Vestey, who has been an avid supporter of the Conservatorium and Trust for many years.
Melba’s gift established the Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship, which still exists today with the Melba Opera Trust. The Trust is also the chief caretaker of her Memorial at Lilydale.
The Melba Opera Trust is immensely proud of its association with Dame Nellie Melba, and the unique legacy we share with Australia’s great diva. Her vision has helped shape the core principles of the Trust and we proudly carry forward her legacy into the 21st century.
Learn more about Dame Nellie at the Nellie Melba Museum.
For further reading the Trust recommends:
‘I AM MELBA’ – Ann Blainey’s award-winning biography.
I Am Melba won the National Biography Prize in 2009.
‘Melba A Family Memoir’ – Pamela, Lady Vestey
Pamela, Lady Vestey is Melba’s only grandchild. The book traces Melba’s life in Australia and overseas, includes personal letters to her family and many candid never-before-published photographs.The book can be purchased from the Nellie Melba Museum.