Melba Recordings

The launch of Die Walküre took place in great style at the Australian Club in Melbourne on June 7th, 2006.

The Federal Arts Minister, Senator Rod Kemp launched the recording and performing were two of The Melba Ring singers – mezzo Donna Marie-Dunlop, and soprano Shu-Cheen Yu. Adelaide Ring repetiteur David McSkimming accompanied the singers. The 150 guests were treated to a  demonstration of the super audio CD with highest quality equipment from Halcro and Reference Audio Visual courtesy of Steve Eleftheriadis and the 6 channel demonstration was provided by A1 Audio. Amongst the guests were Adelaide Symphony Orchestra General Manager, Rainer Jozeps, State Opera of South Australia General Manager Steve Phillips, the artistic director of the 1998 Adelaide Ring, Bill Gillespie, now CEO of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and David Colville represented the Australia Council. Also present were Melba Foundation ambassador Dr Barry Jones, and Patrons of the Foundation, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE and Jeanne Pratt AC who, with her husband Richard Pratt AC, have been Melba supporters since the inception of the label and will host the New York launch later in the year.

The Hon. Dr Barry Jones AO, The Hon. Senator Rod Kemp and Noel Turnbull

Singers Shu-Cheen Yu and Donna Marie-Dunlop

Maria Vandamme, Dame Elizabeth Murdoch AC DBE and Jeanne Pratt AC

7 June 2006