Dame Nellie Melba

Dame Nellie Melba was one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian era and the early 20th century, and the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical musician. She took the pseudonym "Melba" from Melbourne, her home town. She had a wide vocal range and a pure and powerful voice, which she used with great expressiveness and technical skill. She sang in many opera houses in Europe and America, and became a household name for her roles in operas such as La bohème, Rigoletto, Lucia di Lammermoor, La traviata, and Faust. She was also known for her generosity and patriotism, especially during the First World War, when she raised large sums for war charities and sang for the troops. She returned to Australia frequently during the 20th century, singing in opera and concerts, and had a house built for her near Melbourne. She was active in the teaching of singing at the Melbourne Conservatorium and helped to promote the careers of many young Australian singers. She continued to sing until the last months of her life and made a large number of "farewell" appearances. Her death, in Australia, was news across the English-speaking world, and her funeral was a major national event. She left behind a legacy of recordings, writings, and memorabilia, as well as several dishes named after her, such as Melba toast, Peach Melba, Melba sauce, and Melba Garniture.