An extensive collection that documents the life and times of Australia's first international diva has been acquired by the National Library.
The Dame Nellie Melba acquisition includes music manuscripts, sheet music, photographs, programs and clippings, covering the period from 1891 to 2008.
It also contains records and manuscripts that link the legendary soprano's story with the history of the Melba Conservatorium and musical training in Australia.
The acquisition offers more than just a musical story, the library's curator of music Robyn Holmes said.
"It depicts not only the musical world of Melba, the international star, but shows Melba's wider contribution to the development of Australian cultural life," she said in a statement.
Melba, born in 1861, was one of the most famous sopranos of her time and the first Australian classical singer to achieve international recognition.
She died in 1931.
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