Margaret Nisbett, MBE
At 18 years old, Preston born Margaret Nisbett was selected to play the role of Gilda in the opera 'Rigoletto' at the Princess Theatre, as part of the National Theatre Movement. In 1954, she left Australia for England and enjoyed a very successful career including a season with the Dublin Grand Opera Company, before moving to the Carl Rosa Opera Company, then the Sadlers Wells Opera Company. After extensive touring of Europe Nisbett returned home and appeared regularly on the ABC. She later replaced June Bronhill in the lead role of Maria in the musical the 'Sound of Music'. In 1980 she was awarded the MBE for her services to music.
Nisbett is currently working with the Melba Conservatorium of Music.
Preston Historical Society (1968). Brief biographies of prominent Preston People. Preston, Vic: Author.