Melba Hall
"...a kind and loving acoustic." The Strand, London.
Renowned for the finest acoustics for chamber music in Melbourne, Melba Hall is located in the Conservatorium Building at the Faculty of Music, a grand white building on Royal Parade, dating from 1909 and classified by the National Trust of Victoria. Melba Hall houses two of the finest Concert Steinways in Melbourne, and is highly sought after venue for solo recitals and for professional recordings.
In 1912 Dame Nellie Melba presented a concert in aid of a proposed concert hall. With additional support from the state government and J.C. Williamson the concert raised £1000 trowards the cost of the hall, and it was decided to name it after Melba. The first brick of the new hall was laid in April 1913 by Mrs. Peterson, wife of the Ormond Professor, and the completed hall was opened by the Governor-General in October of that year. A grant from the university in 1978 made possible the acquisition of an organ built by Roger Pogson of Sydney.
This elegant 340-seat concert hall underwent major restoration and refurbishment in 1986 under the direction of leading architect Darryl Jackson. The restoration and refurbishment assures the building's functionality as well as its old grand style. Jackson's theory was that widely spaced aisles and plush seating add to the pleasure of the concert experience, which in conjunction with translucent stained glass windows and the polished wooden stage has lent itself to be admired for its inviting ambient atmosphere.
In 1996 the facilities associated with Melba Hall were substantially upgraded to complement the venue and add to the comfort of performers. We are now able to offer a spacious and pleasant greenroom area to relax and await performance, directly behind the stage entrance to Melba hall. In addition to this area, there is a brand new and fully equipped dressing room.
Enquiries about Melba Hall should be directed to the Concert Officer, Ms Margaret Lloyd at m.lloyd@unimelb.edu.au or on 8344 7830.