Melba, Nellie

Melba was born Helen Porter Mitchell. In 1882 she married Charles Nesbit Frederick Armstrong, who died in 1948.

From the description of Papers concerning Mitchell and Armstrong families [manuscript]. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225791512

Mrs Helen Porter Armstrong, soprano singer, was born in, and derived her non de plume from Melbourne. She first appeared in opera in 1887 after concentrating for many years on her piano playing and made her final appearance in Covent Garden in 1926 and in Australia in 1928. She was created D.B.E. 1918 and C.B.E. 1927.

From the description of Letter [manuscript] : to Mrs McEwan. [18--?]. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225633072

December 1886, was the first time that Helen Armstrong appeared under the name of Madame Melba while studying in Paris with Madame Marchesi (who was ultimately responsible for her later great successes). From 1887 she appeared in Grand Opera in Europe and England. Her first appearance in the U.S.A. was in 1893 and she made several visits to Australia in the early 1900s. Melba returned to Australia from London in 1930 because of ill health, and died in Sydney on 23 February, 1931.

From the description of Scrapbooks. 1924. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225843019

Singer.

From the description of Papers [manuscript]. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225771379

Dame Nellie Melba was born in Melbourne in 1861 and took her stage name from that city. A year's study in Paris with the famous Mathilde Marchesi transformed her from a gifted beginner into a brilliant vocalist, soon to be regarded as the most accomplished and most famous soprano of her time. Her purity of voice made her the most famous Diva in the operatic world, throughout which she gave many performances. 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 1928.

From the description of Papers of Dame Nellie Melba [manuscript]. 1895-1923. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 222934796

Australian soprano of Scottish descent.

From the description of Autograph letter signed, dated : Berlin, 4 February 1900[?], to Walter Damrosch in New York, 1900? Feb. 4. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270582146

From the description of Autograph letter signed : [n.p., San Francisco?, n.d.], to Miss [Mabel] Craft [later Mrs. Frank P. Deering], [n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270582150

From the description of Autograph letter signed : [n.p., n.d.], to a named but unidentified recipient, [n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270582153

From the description of Autograph letter signed : [n.p., London?, n.d.], to Mr. [Samuel?] Aitken, [n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270582143

From the description of Clipped signature, dated : [n.p.], 1896., 1896. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270582156

From the description of Autograph note on her visiting card : [n.p., n.d.], to an unidentified recipient, [n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270974521

R. Himmer in 1886 was a retired German opera singer teaching singing in Melbourne.

From the description of Letter [manuscript]. 1886 May 13. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225717661

Australian Opera Singer.

From the description of Papers of Dame Nellie Melba. ca. 1908-1970. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 222422267

Australian singer.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Savoy Hotel, [London], to Arthur Sullivan, [n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270125350

Dame Nellie Melba, soprano singer, was born Helen Porter Mitchell, at Burnley Street, Richmond on May 19th 1861. She later became Helen Porter Armstrong, when she married Charles Nisbett Frederick Armstrong.

From the description of Centenary pilgrimage to grave [manuscript]. 1961. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225171985