Portrait of Nellie Melba, inscribed to Mathilde Marchesi, signed Paris, 1890

Portrait of Nellie Melba, inscribed to Mathilde Marchesi, signed Paris, 1890

While in London in 1886, Nellie Armstrong auditioned for several singing teachers but was turned down by all of them, including Sir Arthur Sullivan. Demonstrating her resolve, she travelled to Paris to sing for Europe’s leading vocal teacher, Mathilde Marchesi, who accepted the young mother as a student. On hearing her sing for the first time, Marchesi is said to have exclaimed, 'At last I have found a star'.

Melba’s relationship with her teacher was close and affectionate. The inscription on this photograph reads: ‘To my dear, good friend & Mamma, Madame Marchesi from her loving & ever grateful pupil, Nellie Melba’.

Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne

Grainger Museum

1890

Arts Centre Melbourne

Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne
1982.005.003 | Purchased, 1982