Melba Recordings

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. 

2007 New York Launch hosted by Jeanne Pratt.
Features performances by Melba artists David Tong and Asher Fisch at the piano. Maestro Asher Fisch offers his insights into the epic process of recording the State Opera of South Australia Ring performances in 2004

2008 UK Launch “Rhapsodie: Fantasie: Poème” World Premiere
Barry Humphries features as guest speaker and talks about the commissioning of a composition for his friend Barry Tuckwell; the Rhapsodie for Horn and Orchestra by Jean-Michel Damase. The video includes session footage from the Melba recording session of the work with Barry Tuckwell conducting and the Sydney Symphony's Ben Jacks featured as horn soloist. 

Gala dinner, Myer Mural Hall, Melbourne
At Melba Foundation's celebration of their namesake, Dame Nellie Melba's, 150th birthday distinguished media figure Malcolm Long speaks about the importance of a first class recording company in the artistic life of Australia. Victorian Parliamentary Secretary, Heide Victoria, speaks about Nellie Melba's contribution to the growth of the early recording industry and Barry Humphries offers an anecdote from Melba's one time assistant, Beverley Nichlols comparing Nellie with another great Australian dame, Dame Edna Everage.

2012 Cheryl Barker talks with Terry Lane
Beloved Australian soprano Cheryl Barker talks with Terry Lane about the importance of recordings and the legacy of her teacher, Dame Joan Hammond. The clip includes music from Cheryl's latest Melba recording PURE DIVA and includes session footage from her previous release PUCCINI PASSION. Barry Tuckwell and Nance Grant also describe the fundamental importance of recordings for artists in creating an enduring legacy.