Melba Opera Trust

05/06/2026

The latest edition of The Melba magazine has landed.

In this edition, our current artists are interviewed by mentor, conductor and radio broadcaster, Graham Abbott, Brian Castles-Onion reflects on the great Australian singers of the past, including the remarkable Nance Grant, we discuss wellbeing with mentor Susie Edmonds and more.

Plus, discover the latest news and stories from across the Melba community.

Read now: https://the-melba.hflip.co/edition-34-autumn-2026.html

04/06/2026

A special milestone for Tom Nicholson tonight as he makes his debut at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, as Demetrius in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Over the past three years Tom has been based in Leipzig, studying and performing while steadily establishing himself in Germany. We're thrilled to see him take this exciting next step.

Sending Tom our best wishes for tonight's performance.

Tom was recipient of the Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship in 2022 and 2023 and participated in the inaugural Prior Family Foundation International Study Tour.

01/06/2026

📣Award Announcement

We’re delighted to announce mezzo-soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas as the 2026 recipient of the Dame Heather Begg Memorial Award.

At an exciting stage in her career, Xenia will receive $25,000 to support her professional development. The Award comes as she continues to build an impressive international profile as a freelance artist, with recent performances at Teatro di San Carlo, Calgary Opera, and the Adelaide Festival under the baton of Raphaël Pichon.

Next, she heads to Glyndebourne Festival as La messaggera in Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo and to the Salzburg Festival as Cecilio in Mozart’s Lucio Silla.

‘I’m deeply honoured to receive the Award … it has affirmed the work and dedication I have put into my training so far and gives me a strong sense of encouragement in my commitment to this craft,’ says Xenia.

Established through the legacy of Dame Heather Begg, the Award supports exceptional early-career artists, with Xenia becoming its thirteenth recipient.

Congratulations, Xenia! ✨

Xenia was recipient of The Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship in 2019.

Image: Marielle Aubé
Pygmalion

19/05/2026

It’s the marvellous month of Melba! ✨

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of our namesake, Dame Nellie Melba.

Thanks for sharing the fantastic footage, ABC Classic.

Coombe Yarra Valley Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Ryman Healthcare Australia

13/05/2026

Tonight marks the world premiere of a new Australian opera, The Drover’s Wife.

We’re incredibly proud to see two Melba alumni at the heart of the production. Nina Korbe - Soprano performs the role of Molly Johnson, alongside Shauntai Abdul-Rahman as Black Mary.

Based on the iconic short story, the work has been reimagined by Leah Purcell AM, with music by George Palmer AM. Nina tells us, ‘I’m really looking forward to Australia being able to hear this incredible story.’

The season runs at QPAC until 22 May, before travelling to Sydney with Opera Australia in August.

Best wishes to Nina, Shauntai and the entire cast and crew for the season ahead.

Nina was the recipient of the Indigenous Opera Scholarship and Ruskin Opera Scholarship in 2023 and 2024, and Shauntai held the Indigenous Opera Scholarship in 2014 and 2015.

08/05/2026

Sending all the toi toi tois to Stacey Alleaume - Soprano and Filipe Manu for opening night of Opera Australia's production of La traviata.

Stacey returns to the role of Violetta, alongside Filipe as Alfredo, in one of Verdi’s most loved operas.

At Melbourne's Regent Theatre for a short time only — book your tickets via Opera Australia.

Stacey was the recipient of the Ruskin Opera Scholarship in 2010 and The Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship in 2012. Filipe was the 2022 recipient of the Dame Heather Begg Memorial Award.

Image: Jeff Busby

06/05/2026

Melbas in Melbourne this week 🎶

Tomorrow (7 May): An Evening of Opera: Verdi, Puccini, Rossini and more …

Join Chloe James, Sophie Blades and Lachlan Higgins at Hamer Hall as they perform alongside Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the next generation of musicians from Melbourne Youth Orchestras.
Bookings: https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-side-by-side-melbourne-youth-orchestra

Saturday 9 May: Saint-Bartholomew Burnley

An afternoon of popular arias and ensembles, featuring Devon Lake, Sophie Hamer and Aylish Ryan, accompanied by Zachary Hamilton-Russell.
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1550398

Don’t miss the chance to hear these talented artists perform some of your favourite arias!

Chloe James Sophie Blades Devon Lake Sophie Hamer - Soprano Aylish Ryan Zac Hamilton-Russell

20/04/2026

UKARIA Chamberfest is back and this year marks a first, with Siobhan Stagg stepping in as the festival’s inaugural vocal curator.

Set in the Adelaide Hills, the festival returns from 2–4 October with five concerts at UKARIA Cultural Centre. Siobhan’s program is already shaping up to be something special, blending vocal masterworks with chamber repertoire and contemporary works.

Tickets are now on sale. Find out more: https://www.ukaria.com/chamberfest-2026

17/04/2026

From rugby shorts to the world’s biggest stages.

Filipe Manu's story is as remarkable as the headline suggests.

Read the full story in The Age here: https://www.theage.com.au/national/queensland/he-once-turned-up-to-the-opera-in-rugby-shorts-now-he-s-singing-on-the-world-s-biggest-stages-20260309-p5o8st.html

Filipe was the 2022 recipient of the Dame Heather Begg Memorial Award.

Tongan-New Zealand tenor Filipe Manu cut his hair after he became an opera star. But he kept his tatts.

16/04/2026

Join Sophie Blades, Lachlan Higgins and Chloe James as they perform with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Youth Orchestras.

This special concert brings together Melba Artists and the next generation of orchestral musicians for an evening of operatic favourites (think Puccini, Bizet and Mozart).

Thursday 7 May at 7.30pm
Hamer Hall

To book visit: https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-side-by-side-melbourne-youth-orchestra