The British Musical Biography

[E] Armstrong, Helen Porter, born Mit-
chell, known professionally as Madame
Melba, soprano vocalist, born at Melbourne,
Australia, 1859. Daughter of David Mitchell,
contractor. Sang in the choir of St. Francis'
Roman Catholic Church, Melbourne, and
appeared at the Melbourne Liedertafel con-
certs. 1884. Made her first appearance in
Europe at Emil Bach's concert. Prince's Hall,
London, June 1, 1886. A pupil of Madame
Marchesi, her operatic debut took place at the
Theatre de la ilounaie, Brussels, as "Gilda,"in
" Rigoletto," October 12, 1887. She appeared
at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, May 24,
1888, as " Lucia," in the " Bride of Lammer-
moor," and has in subsequent seasons been
heard in a variety of parts. She sang at La
Scala, Milan, in 1893; at the Handel Festival,
Crystal Palace, June 27, 1894 (Selection Day);
in opera. New York, and elsewhere, and has
established herself as a prima donna of the
first rank. In 1882 she married Mr. Charles
Armstrong, of Queensland.

[+] Her sister, Frederica Mitchell, is con-
sidered one of the most accomplished vocalists
in Melbourne. In 1891 she was principal
soprano in the Roman Catholic Church
(St. George's) Carlton, Melbourne. She sang,
November 24, 1883, in Dublin, at a concert
of the University Choral Society.

entry id: 13-L-15