Melba Opera Trust

The Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music was established in 1901 as the Conservatorium of Music, Melbourne, under George Marshall-Hall. Originally a private institution, it became nonprofit in 1944 and later incorporated as a company with a governing council. The conservatorium moved locations several times before settling in Richmond until its closure in 2008.

Renamed in 1956 after Dame Nellie Melba, a renowned opera singer who taught there until her death in 1931, the conservatorium was associated with her legacy through a bequest. In 1994, it affiliated with Victoria University, offering music degrees and continuing to provide private tuition and short courses. This partnership included degree programs at Victoria University's Sunbury campus.

Despite its closure, the Melba Opera Trust was established to perpetuate its mission, funded by liquidating the conservatorium’s assets. The trust supports scholarships such as the Alfred Ruskin Memorial Award, Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship, and others. Notable alumni include Gertrude Johnson, Deirdre Cash, Louise Hanson-Dyer, Peggy Glanville-Hicks, Raja Ram, and Christian O'Brien.

The conservatorium’s legacy continues through these initiatives, fostering music education and professional development for future generations.