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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s visits to Ballarat and showcase her \u201cgreatest hits.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople will be able to have a look at those, and of course we\u2019ll be presenting some of the songs that Melba sang here in Ballarat at Albert Hall.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Each work will include narration by Stefan Cassomenos, who will read excerpts from Melba\u2019s biography, Melodies and Memories.<\/p>\n
Following the concert in BMI\u2019s Humffray Room, an afternoon tea will be held at the venue library alongside a display that Mr Potter said will showcase their \u201cdiverse range\u201d of Nellie memorabilia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019ll be a real eye-opener for opera buffs. There\u2019s lots of photos of her in various roles and some of our books reflect well on her,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of our displays have been donated by our members that they\u2019ve had in their cupboards like opera glasses and clothes from the time so that\u2019ll be there to round it out as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
A second concert will take place on Sunday, 17 July for those who miss out the first time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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, […]<\/p>\n