The music festival, the only one of its kind in Victoria, combined food, wine and classical and contemporary music, along with poetry, in the finest surroundings, and paid homage to Australia’s most famous opera singer – Dame Nellie Melba.

Dame Nellie Melba, known internationally as one of the greatest ever Sopranos, grew up in the region and performed at various venues in the Yarra Valley. Her childhood home is situated on the Melba Highway, which runs through the heart of the region.

Performances by leading classical and contemporary artists at various locations such as Domaine Chandon and Rochford Wines, provided a stunning backdrop for visitors who enjoy classical music, a glass of Yarra Valley’s finest and regional cuisine to match.

“We’re very excited to have managed the fourth Melba Festival, which attracted over 3,000 people to the Yarra Valley. The musical program was one of the best in the country and this was evident with the bumper crowds to the region over the three day event” said Jennifer Hutchison, CEO of Yarra Valley & The Dandenongs Marketing.

Highlights from the three day musical program included:-

• The festival’s grand opening at Domaine Chandon with a recital from two talented young singers – Nathan Lay and Stephanie Gibson
• Talented performers Craig Smith (piano) and Melanie Searle (singer) performing jazz at the Coldstream Brewery
• Garden Rhythms performed by Tropical Dreams at Valley Guest House
• Silvie Paladino, one of Australia’s most versatile and talented entertainers at Rochford Yarra Valley
• The brilliant Hamer String Quartet, who recently won three of the six  prizes across the entire Asia-Pacific Chamber Music Competition, which includes the 1st prize String Quartet – The Robert Salzer Foundation Prize
• Strings and Bubbles with Allanah Guthrie-Jones at Sutherland Estate.  Alannah is an outstanding harpist having won the biannual Guy McGrath Harp Prize.

Previously the Melba Festival was run by a dedicated group of volunteers from Yarra Glen. This is the second year the Festival is owned and managed by Yarra Valley & The Dandenongs Marketing, the peak body for the area for integrated marketing of wine, food, conferencing tourism and agribusiness.

There is no doubt Melba’s spirit will be alive and well in the valley once more!