In January 1900 Melba had an engagement to sing in Vienna. After a successful debut in concert, she was summoned to sing before the ageing Emperor Franz Joseph at the Imperial Opera House. The rule that only German should be sung was waived; Traviata was performed in French, followed by Melba singing the mad scene from Lucia di Lammermoor.

The Emperor granted her an interview, conferring upon Melba the award of the Imperial Warrant of Court Singer. The old monarch thanked her for the rare pleasure her singing had given him. He had not been to the theatre since the assassination of his beautiful wife, the Empress Elizabeth. (1)

The only other recorded visit Melba made to Austria was in the summer of 1930 after her trip to Egypt. Despite her ill health following the trip Melba was determined to keep active and interested, and arranged a visit to Germany and Austria, to listen to the wonderful music of those countries. (2)
(1) Vestey Pamela, Melba A Family Memoir, Pamela Vestey, Coldstream, 2000. pg 102.
(2) Op. cit. pg 239.