MELBA OPERA TRUST
Melba Opera Trust is a legacy of the visionary soprano Dame Nellie Melba.
Nellie once said, ‘in order to succeed in opera, you have to engage in the business of singing. A beautiful voice is not enough.’ This is at the heart of our philosophy: our artists are trained to be more than a voice, to be equipped with the skills they need to build sustainable careers.
THE MELBA PROGRAM
The Program supports Melba Artist development with three essential pillars – Artistic Development, Mentoring and Performance – to encourage rounded training with a focus on excellence and a view to developing polished young professionals who will stand out in a competitive industry.
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
We focus on the need for singers to mature at the right pace. Funding supports frequent and intense vocal coaching for the Artists, resulting in significant improvement.
MENTORING
The Artists participate in workshops, seminars and individual consultations conducted by a variety of local and international industry experts.
PERFORMANCE
Opportunities to perform are sourced for the Artists, including private dinner parties, corporate events and more.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Melba Opera Trust continues the legacy of Dame Nellie Melba to inspire excellence, realise potential and forge careers by providing world-class training for emerging Australian opera artists.
You can support our mission and give a future to Australian opera artists by giving to an established scholarship or donating towards our program.
MEET THE 2026 ARTISTS
Melba Opera Trust acknowledges the Traditional Owners and peoples of the many lands in which we work, learn and perform, and recognise their enduring connection to Country. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging, and to their song men and song women as the original storytellers.