About The Sembrich

Originally the teaching studio of the famed soprano, the intimate Spanish revival building was built following Sembrich’s appointments to the Juilliard Graduate School and Curtis Institute of Music voice faculties. Sembrich’s estate originally encompassed over 55 acres and boasted the lakeside manor “Bay View.” Today, The Sembrich preserves and maintains 4.5 acres of the original estate. Sembrich brought students to study with her in Lake George each summer holiday from 1925-1934. Students enjoyed summers in the mountains and performed at local venues such as the Lake George Club.

Following Marcella Sembrich’s death in 1935, her daughter-in-law Juliette de Coppet kept the 4.5 acre parcel with the studio and opened it to the public as a memorial to Sembrich in 1937. Soon after, in 1940, Juliette, Harriett Eels (a pupil of Sembrich), and H. Goddard Owen (Dean of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University) formed the Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association to maintain the studio and grounds and continue to perpetuate the legacy of Marcella Sembrich. The land was officially conveyed to the Association in February of 1940.

Mme. Sembrich (left), Juliette de Coppet Stengel (right), Anita de Coppet (center). Photograph by Fred Thatcher. (ca. 1924). From The Sembrich Collection.

In the late 1950s, Ernest Hillman Jr. and John Skilton Jr. joined the Board of Directors, and under their leadership, the poet George Cornwell was hired as Curator of the museum. Cornwell would serve in this position until 1989. Ernest Hillman Jr. generously endowed The Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association upon his passing, providing future stability for the organization.

Ernest Hillman, Jr. (1912-2002)

In the mid-1990s, the Association welcomed its first Administrative Director, Anita Richards. She further solidified and expanded the program offerings at The Sembrich and founded the annual Young Performers’ Showcase which presents aspiring musicians from around the region. At this time Richard Wargo was engaged as Artistic Director. Since his appointment, Wargo has carefully curated each Summer Festival, creating a unique cultural experience for all who visit.

Today, the Association, known as The Sembrich, remains a perfect destination to explore music, history, and nature in the Adirondack region. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sembrich is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Polish Soprano Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935) and enriching and engaging the public through programs, exhibitions, and musical performances.