Melba made her sensational debut at the Paris Opera in Ambroise Thomas's 'Hamlet', launching her international career.
On 13 October 1887, Nellie Melba made her debut at the Paris Opera, singing the role of Ophélie in Ambroise Thomas's opera Hamlet. This performance marked a decisive turning point in her career, transforming her from a promising colonial singer into an internationally recognised prima donna.
Having travelled to Europe to study under the famous voice teacher Mathilde Marchesi in Paris, Melba's Paris Opera debut showcased the extraordinary purity, agility and power of her coloratura soprano voice. The performance was met with tremendous critical acclaim, and it was around this period that she adopted the stage name 'Melba', a tribute to her home city of Melbourne, at Marchesi's suggestion.
This debut was historically significant as it represented the breakthrough of an Australian-trained singer onto the most prestigious operatic stage in the world at that time. It opened the doors to further engagements across Europe, including her later famous association with Covent Garden in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, cementing her position as one of the first great stars of the emerging age of international opera and recorded sound.