Mechanics’ Institute celebrates opera legend

WITH much of the city looking back on its history as part of Heritage Festival, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is pairing with Melba Opera Trust to deliver an evening in celebration of opera icon Dame Nellie Melba.

Titled Salon Sessions: Nellie in Her Own Write, the concert will run from 2pm on Sunday, 29 May, and cultural development manager at the BMI Mark Potter said it will highlight Melba’s visits to Ballarat and showcase her “greatest hits.”

“She was a superstar in her time, and her performing here was a really big thing. This also links beautifully with our own heritage collection of books on her,” he said.

“People will be able to have a look at those, and of course we’ll be presenting some of the songs that Melba sang here in Ballarat at Albert Hall.”

The pieces will be performed by three Melba Opera Trust scholars, tenor Nathan Bryon, soprano Natalie Grimmett and baritone Tom Nicholson with piano accompaniment by Sharolyn Kimmorley.

Each work will include narration by Stefan Cassomenos, who will read excerpts from Melba’s biography, Melodies and Memories.

Following the concert in BMI’s Humffray Room, an afternoon tea will be held at the venue library alongside a display that Mr Potter said will showcase their “diverse range” of Nellie memorabilia.

“It’ll be a real eye-opener for opera buffs. There’s lots of photos of her in various roles and some of our books reflect well on her,” he said.

“Some of our displays have been donated by our members that they’ve had in their cupboards like opera glasses and clothes from the time so that’ll be there to round it out as well.”

A second concert will take place on Sunday, 17 July for those who miss out the first time.

General admission is $38.50, concession $32.70, children under 17 $19.30 and and BMI members $25.20. To book visit bit.ly/3whPXLW.