Summary

Theatre programme for Dame Nellie Melba's Homecoming Concert performed at Melbourne Town Hall on 31 August 1921. This was one of many homecoming and farewell concerts Melba performed during the 1920s, this convert accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, pianist Una Bourne, flautist John Lemmone and violinist Bessie Gaunson. Melba sang arias from Verdi's Otello and Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, and songs by Greig and Rachmaninov.

Physical Description

Cream paper programme with cover and six pages with two staples at centre. The front cover has a pale blue decorative border and blue printed text. Inside pages feature a detailed program and runnning order and reverse cover has a advertisement for Allans Steinway pianos.

Significance

Statement of Historical Significance:
Dame Nellie Melba is one of Australia's most famous cultural icons and exports. Her operatic achievements were acknowledged both nationally and internationally and her World War I fundraising efforts earned her Dame Commander of the British Empire. This item enhances the Museum's modest collection relating to Melba by documenting her Melbourne performances. Theatre programmes of Melba's Melbourne performances are particularly significant being hard to find in the market.

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