Live opera returns to Nellie Melba

Nellie Melba Retirement Village residents have been treated to a moving performance by Ryman Healthcare’s 2022 Melba Opera Trust scholar Nathan Bryon.

Residents have missed out on live performances by Ryman’s opera scholar for the past two years due to covid restrictions.

The company created the annual scholarship through the Melba Opera Trust as part of its naming partnership for the Nellie Melba village in Wheelers Hill.

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Nathan said the connection between a performer and an audience has been dearly missed during the pandemic.

‘’I think the large majority of performers do what we do because we love the energy exchange between an audience and ourselves and it has been hard to perform to a screen.’’

Nathan Bryon performs to the Nellie Melba residents.

Sharolyn Kimmorley, Melba Opera Trust’s Artistic Manager & Scholar Advisor, said how important the trust is for young artists and why Ryman is crucial to their success.

‘’We're very grateful to Ryman for their support because it's through support of organisations like Ryman that enables this program to happen.’’ Sharolyn said.

‘’Melba Opera Trust is really an amazing organization. As somebody who's been in this business for a long time, it gives these amazing opportunities to young artists and it's a very complete program.’’

Sharolyn Kimmorley from the Melba Opera Trust plays the piano during Nathan's performance.

Residents were left in awe by Nathan, with some admitting to tearing up as Nathan’s voice filled the room with emotion.

Nathan began his music journey inside a public school in Dublin, NSW where he was given a grant for instruments.

‘’I was the biggest kid, so they gave me the biggest instrument – a euphonium,’’ he said.

‘’I eventually took some lessons at the local conservatorium. I would sit outside on the couch, listening to the singing teacher and eventually knocked on the door and asked for a lesson. After that there was no turning back, I just got completely hooked.’’

Nathan speaks with a Nellie Melba resident after his opera performance.

Nathan said he feels ‘’extraordinarily blessed’’ to receive Ryman Healthcare’s scholarship through the trust as it allows him the privilege of learning from the best.

“I think the great thing about the Melba Opera Trust is you get exposure to the top people in the industry from Australia and abroad. You find your own identity as an artist, which has been really special.’’

Nathan already has his next career move lined up in the form of a two-year Artist Diploma at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, starting in August.

Nellie Melba Retirement Village will also host Nathan again live when the trust returns for the Nellie Melba-themed performance in July.