Melba A Family Memoir by Pamela Vestey 2000 Australian Theatre History Book

"Dame Nellie Melba GBE (born Helen Porter Mitchell; 19 May 1861 - 23 February 1931) was an Australian operatic lyric coloratura soprano. She became one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian era and the early twentieth century, and was the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical musician. She took the pseudonym "Melba" from Melbourne, her home town."