DAME NELLIE MELBA

Helen 'Nellie' Porter Mitchell was born on 19th May 1861 and is fondly remembered as an Australian operatic Diva. She became one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian Era and early 20th century and was the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical musician.

Melba studied and performed in Melbourne before moving to Europe in search of a singing career. She studied in Paris in 1886 and was very successful in Brussels before establishing herself as the leading lyric soprano at Covent Garden, London in 1888.  She then performed in most European cities before debuting at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1893.

Her repertoire was small. In her whole career she sang no more than 25 roles and was closely identified with only ten. During the First World War, Melba raised large sums for war charities. She returned to Australia frequently during the 20th century, staying at Coombe Cottage when in Melbourne.

She was active in the teaching of singing at the Melbourne Conservatorium and continued to sing until the last months of her life, making a legendary number of 'farewell' appearances. Her death on the 23rd February 1931, was news across the English-speaking world and her funeral was a major national event.