Your Cart (0)Some selected Melba Functions with links to photos & videos
Melba Functions have been of inestimable value in raising the profile of the Melba Foundation and its vision. Financial support raised from a wide range of functions was essential in our establishment, and the creation of all our earlier recordings. Later philanthropy expanded the range, quality and possibilities of our releases.
Functions and launches offer the opportunity for patrons, supporters and benefactors to hear the artists that they support up close, interact with them and share the excitement of their performances and projects, past and future. We are grateful for the incredible generosity of our patrons and supporters, particularly Jeanne Pratt AC who opened her residences around the world, hosting many sumptuous launches and functions.
Notable among these was the 10 Jan 2007 New York launch of the Melba Foundation featuring piano performances by SOSA Ring conductor and pianist Asher Fisch with David Tong, in the presence of Rupert Murdoch, James Wolfensohn and Ring recording sponsor Dr Douglas Mitchell.
Some selected Melba Functions
June 2006 Melbourne “Die Walküre” Launch (photos)
The Federal Arts Minister, Senator Rod Kemp, at the Australian Club
Oct 2006 Melbourne “Das Rheingold” Launch (photos)
The Federal Arts Minister, Senator Rod Kemp, at the Australian Club
Jan 2007 Melba Foundation New York Launch (video artists performance)
Hosted by Jeane Pratt with performances by Asher Fish and David Tong
Oct 2007 Melbourne Concert (video artists performance)
Steve Davislim & Anthony Romaniuk perform Schubert.
Tinalley Quartet play a Schubert String Quartet.
Sep 2008 UK Launch “Rhapsodie: Fantasie: Poème” Worl Premiere
(video Barry Humphries interview). Barry Humphries commissioned the key piece by Jean-Michel Damase
Oct 2009 Melba function at the New York residence of the Australian Ambassador to the UN.
Ray Chen& David Tong performed at a Melba function to celebrate his recording Stravinsky: Diversions
Feb 2010 Melbourne, Government House
David de Kretser and Mrs de Kretser hosted a morning tea for the Melba Foundation which included performance of two Melba artists:
violinist Kristian Winther and pianist Benjamin Martin, in music of Ravel and Saint-Saëns
Mar 2010 Melbourne, fundraiser
Held at Jeanne Pratt’s residence, Raheen. Guest of honour Bruce Beresford.
Artists Paul Dean and Timothy Young performed Mozart's Clarinet Concert
May 2010 Melbourne Tribute Dinner to celebrate Richard Bonynge’s 80th birthday
Hosted by ANZ trustees. Performances by Rosamund Illing, Joshua Bloom and Benjamin Martin.
Gala dinner, Myer Mural Hall, Melbourne
Gues speaker Barry Humphries. Humphries was in scintillating form, cheekily offering his reason for featuring: "I'm damned if I do and Vandamned if I don't"
Feb 2012 Cheryl Barker talks with Terry Lane about the importance of recordings and the legacy of her teacher, Dame Joan Hammond. Barry Tuckwell and Nance Grant also describe the importance of recordings as enduring legacy
Feb 2012 Cocktail party at Stonington hosted by Rod Menzies. Raffle to support Benaud Trio new recording was drawn. With thanks to Paspaley Pearls, Louis Vuitton, Bill Robinson and the Philip Bacon Galleries
