A Biography of Soprano Dame Nellie Melba: An Amazing Life

Helen Porter Mitchell, or as the world knew her, Dame Nellie Melba, was born in Victoria, Australia in the 1860s. She took the name Melba in memory of her birthplace in Richmond, a suburb of Melbourne.

After studying in Paris, her musical debut was made in Brussels in the late 1880s as Gilda in Verdi's Rigoletto. She sung up a huge storm when showcased by the famous Metropolitan Opera company in New York until around 1910. She also sang at Oscar Hammerstein's opera house in Chicago.

Ms. Porter Mitchell's tireless work towards the great war effort during WWI was later rewarded, she was aptly given honor as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1918, followed by Dame Grand Cross in the order in 1927.

Dame Nellie earned superstar status as a soprano with a 3 octave range in her day. She was extremely popular, and even at this present time the $100 bill of Australia proudly displays her glorious image. She produced over 180 recordings, a huge accomplishment for her time and was also a major international star of radio.

Dame Nellie was married to Charles Nisbett Frederick Armstrong and they had one Son, and one Grandson. It was rumored later that while traveling Europe, that she and Philippe, Duke of Orleans were intimately involved and Charles promptly filed for divorce.

Traveling the state of Victoria you will be impressed by beautiful rolling hillsides and crisp cool weather, where cherry trees and strawberries grow in abundance, and where one can also visit the famous Coombe Cottage at Coldstream near Lilydale. Melba had made her Australian home here, and loved it very much, especially when the harsh winters of Europe drove her to the warmer climate of Australia's summers.

Dame Nellie passed away at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst in Sydney in 1931 at the young age of 69 as a result of septicemia. This writer's Mother was born just nearby. She was given a State funeral in Melbourne and was later laid to rest near to her Estate. I have been fortunate to visit this place, since ironically this writer's Father was born just minutes from this location. It is one of Victoria's prettiest destinations and needless to say, the locals are quite proud.

*Melba Toast and Peach Melba, created by the French chef Auguste Escoffier are just two of many items, highways, concert halls and museums which have been named in her honor.

Some wonderful people at YouTube have provided recordings for your enjoyment. There is also some very rare movie footage of Dame Nellie.

Please visit here to view this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RypM4dHOb9M&feature=related

Sources:

Melba Biographies:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=dame+nellie+melba

YouTube.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RypM4dHOb9M&feature=related