Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum, also known as The Sembrich, is a music venue and museum that preserve the legacy and love of the music of the internationally renowned Polish opera singer Marcella Sembrich.
Sembrich (1858-1935) was born in Poland and started her music career at a young age, playing the piano and violin in local events to support her family.
Sembrich furthered her music education at the Lemberg Conservatory, studying piano and violin and developing her vocal capabilities. Then, deciding to focus on voice, she studied with the best teachers in Vienna and Milan. Sembrich made her opera debut at 19 in Athens, which led to a successful career that included performing on the biggest stages in Europe and the United States. She sang in English, Polish, German, French, and Italian, gave recitals, and taught vocal programs.
In 1898, Sembrich performed at the Met Opera in New York City, stayed for 11 seasons, and spent most of her time in the US.
The outbreak of World War I prevented her from spending the summer in the European Alps, so she set the Adirondack Mountains area in New York as her new summer destination. Sembrich stayed at Lake Placid during the summers of 1915-1921 and then at the home and teaching studio she built at Lake George. During these summers, her students joined her to study and rest.
Shortly after she died, her house was opened in 1937 as a history museum (free admission), showcasing personal items, memorabilia, and mementos from her life. In addition to commemorating Sembrich, the building hosts music events and festivals, continuing to spread her love of music.
Marcella Sembrich
Opera singer and actress Marcella Sembrich sought rest and respite on the shores of Lake George, eventually opening a teachers studio.