Guide to the Dame Nellie Melba theatre programs and ephemera held in the PROMPT Collection, National Library of Australia, 1889-2018

Summary

Collection number:

Melba

Extent:

6 prompt boxes

Language:

English and English

Availability:

Available

Background

Content Summary:

The Nellie Melba files in the Library's PROMPT collection contain primarily theatre programs with some ephemera and newspaper cuttings which document the opera singer's Australian and overseas careers from 1891 to 1931.

Printed materials in the PROMPT collection include programs and printed ephemera such as brochures, leaflets, tickets, etc. Theatre programs are taken as the prime documentary evidence of a performance.

The list is based on imperfect holdings, and is updated as gaps in the Library's holdings are filled. Unless otherwise stated, all entries are based on published programs in the PROMPT collection.

Biographical / Historical:

Dame Nellie Melba GBE (19 May 1861 – 23 February 1931), born Helen Porter Mitchell, was an Australian operatic soprano. She became one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian era and the early 20th century. She was the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical musician. She took the pseudonym "Melba" from Melbourne, her home town. During the First World War, Melba raised large sums for war charities. She was active in the teaching of singing at the Melbourne Conservatorium, and made a legendary number of "farewell" appearances. Between 1904 and 1926 Melba made some 150 records. Her final performance at Covent Garden was in June 1926, with her last Australian performances in Sydney and Melbourne in 1927.

Location of this collection:

National Library of Australia

Parkes Place

Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

Contact:

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