Countries | Monaco

Early in 1890 Melba sang for the first time in Monte Carlo, receiving a very large fee for four performances. (1)

In January 1900 Melba went to Monte Carlo, where the opera chosen for her performance was Traviata. With Tamagno as Alfredo and Soulacroix as the elder Germont. Many couldn’t get into the opera whose audience included a large party invited by the Prince of Monaco and many familiar faces from Covent Garden. (2)

In February 1902, Melba sang again in Monte Carlo. The occasion marked the beginning of her artistic association with Enrico Caruso, who sang the role of Rudolfo to her Mimi in La Boheme. Their voices were perfect together. (3)
It was also the inauguration of the Monte Carlo opera season before Prince Albert of Monaco. (4)
A month later the stage adaptation of Berlioz’s cantanta The Damnation of Faust was revived there, with Melba, Jean de Reszke and Renaud in the principal parts, which were portrayed with consummate art. (5)
The Figaro critic wrote: Madame Melba was a “delicieuse” Marguerite an intense heroine and a grand and tragic singer.
During the season Rigoletto was also given, with Melba, Caruso and Renaud. (6)

Two years later in 1904 Melba was back in Monte Carlo. This time to prepare for the world premiere of the opera Helene written for her by Saint-Saens. Melba lived in a private villa owned by the Countess of Wilton where Saint-Saens helped her study the role of Helene. The premiere was held on February 13, 1904 at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo which is part of the Monte Carlo Casino. (7)

Melba was back in Monte Carlo in March 1921,with her daughter-in-law Evie for a short Holiday. (8)

References

(1) P. Vestey, Melba A Family Memoir, Pamela Vestey, Coldstream, 2002. pg 65.
(2) A. Murphy, Melba A Biography, 1909, pg 160-161 and P. Vestey, op. cit. pg 102.
(3) P. Vestey Op. Cit. pg 105.
(4) A. Murphy Op. Cit. pg 168.
(5) Op. Cit. pg 168.
(6) Op. Cit. pg 169.
(7) Op. Cit. pgs 211- 213.
(8) P. Vestey Op. Cit. pg 184.

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Our home is the Old Lilydale Court House:
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Hours of opening:
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Sundays are preferred.
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Nellie Melba Museum

Contact Details:
Sue Thompson: 0475 219 884
Email: [email protected]

Share your info with us:
[email protected]

Our home is the Old Lilydale Court House:
61 Castella Street, Lilydale 3140
Hours of opening:
By Appointment only:
Fridays 1 to 4pm and Saturdays to Mondays 11am to 4pm.
Sundays are preferred.
Closed Public Holidays

Nellie Melba Museum

Contact Details:
Sue Thompson: 0475 219 884
[email protected]

Nellie Melba Museum

Contact Details:
Sue Thompson: 0475 219 884
[email protected]

Our home is the Old Lilydale Court House:
61 Castella Street, Lilydale 3140
Hours of opening:
By appointment only:
Fridays 1 to 4pm and Saturdays to Mondays 11am to 4pm.
Sundays are preferred.
Closed Public Holidays

Share Your Information
with Nellie Melba Museum!

Sue Thompson: 0475 219 884
[email protected]