Summary

Souvenir programme for a concert featuring Madame Nellie Melba, performing at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne on 23 October, 1909. The programme includes Melba performing various songs, along with Miss Una Bourne and Mr Frederick Ranalow, accompanied by Melba's flautist John Lemmone and the Grand Orchestra and Melbourne Philharmonic Society.

This concert would have occurred around the conclusion of Melba's famous 'sentimental tour' during which she travelled to numerous regional towns along Australia's east coast,Tasmania and New Zealand. It is also around the time that Melba purchased Coombe Cottage which would become her beloved Australian home in Coldstream in Victoria's Yarra Valley.

Physical Description

Four page, single sheet programme, blue printed text on cream paper. The name 'Melba' is printed as a signature across the front cover.

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, and this one is particularly significant as the concert occurred at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

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