Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Each year, The Sembrich presents exhibitions relating to our summer festival, musical history, and the legacy of Marcella Sembrich. Exhibitions feature items from The Sembrich Collection as well as loans from other institutions. Learn more and view our current exhibits below!
The Thatcher Photos
Digital Exhibition
This five-part series features images captured by Lake George photographer Fred Thatcher (1881-1969), some of which have never been published. See Sembrich’s teaching studio, her Bay View estate, and the surrounding area as they were from 1922 - 1934. Thatcher’s photography is accompanied by additional items from The Sembrich Collection including additional photographs by Lake Placid photographer G.T. Rabineau and historic press clippings.
MASTERING MOZART
2024 Centennial Exhibition
Discover four of Marcella Sembrich’s signature roles in this new exhibition featuring original costumes, audio recordings, and other artifacts drawn from The Sembrich’s unique collection.
Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935) was considered one of the finest interpreters of Mozart at the turn of the 20th century. Her polished legato and mastery of the bel canto style of singing, combined with her endearing stage presence, earned her praise as “the greatest florid dramatic artist of the lighter class of modern times.” Knowing this, it is no surprise to learn that nearly one fifth of her 466 performances at New York’s Metropolitan Opera were in Mozart operas.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is Sembrich’s original Queen of the Night costume worn for the Metropolitan Opera debut of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Following an extensive conservation effort, it will be unveiled to the public at our 2024 centennial benefit A Night at the Museum on Thursday, July 11. Following that event, this exquisite costume will be on view throughout the season.
On View May 25 - October 14, 2024