The Sembrich Studio

Schermerhorn Construction was employed by Madame Sembrich for numerous construction projects on her estate including building the studio, renovations to the home, landscaping, and the construction of two additional residences.

The lakeside studio was completed in 1924. The building was set over an old boat launch and the ground level raised to create small a terrace in front of the building.

The completed studio was a rectangular stucco-walled building with a rustic stone fireplace constructed in the Spanish Revival style.

The furnishings for the newly completed studio were provided in part by local Glens Falls company Wilmarth & Sons. The store was located at 17 Ridge Street in downtown Glens Falls.

The studio interior featured a fireplace, large casement windows, and a raised ceiling with special molding to resemble heavy wooden beams. The studio also boasted electricity and running water.

The bas reliefs (della Robia) described by Ugo Ara can be seen in this photograph. They still hang in the same location to this day.

This photo shows where Thatcher altered the negative by etching flames into the fireplace.

The southern wall once opened onto a large glass porch. Fan windows were placed above the French doors to create a Palladian-style window.

Sembrich made several alterations to the building including an addition to the back of the studio. Today this space houses costume displays, a museum room, a restroom, and storage facilities.

The glass porch was enclosed following the summer of 1930. The walls were plastered and painted to match the existing stucco siding. Josephine Jirak (pictured standing below) attended summer sessions both before and after the renovations.

One image shows Sembrich and her students with the newly enclosed "Bay Room." When first enclosed, the front wall facing the lake still had an entrance with a window on either side.

The 12 panel window shown here was replaced with a door of the same style in the early 2000s to facilitate emergency egress.

Harriet Eels (right) and Marcella Sembrich (left) stand together at the studio. Eels was a private student of Sembrich and also among the first students to enjoy the newly completed studio in 1925.

The studio possesses incredible acoustic properties. Countless performances have been held in the studio since the days Madame Sembrich taught here. Performances and program presentations continue to this day

The 1905 Steinway Sembrich purchased for the studio is still used in performances to this day. Sembrich was not only a gifted singer but also a gifted violinist and pianist. Her library in the studio features numerous works for solo instruments and chamber ensembles in addition to operas and art songs.

Sembrich's student musicales were the highlight of the season for many local organizations on Lake George. Social events were also held at the studio and included dinners at her cottage Bay View.

In 1937 the studio was opened to the public as the Marcella Sembrich Memorial Studio, preserving the legacy of Marcella Sembrich.

The enclosed "Bay Room" was converted to a display room showcasing furniture, books, and letters from Madame Sembrich's collection.

The exterior entrance to the bay room was replaced with a large picture window which still offered a sweeping view of Huddle Bay. The windows to either side of the door were covered to offer more wall space.

The rear addition was enlarged to include two museum display rooms, bathroom, and storage facilities. The rear porch was also enclosed and made into an entry way and display area.

Following the building renovations the space was filled with artifacts from Sembrich's career. Among the collection's highlights are a number of original opera costumes worn on stages around the United States and Europe.

In 1940, the property was conveyed to the Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association and the organization was charged with the operation and preservation of the studio, grounds, and collections.

The Sembrich has been opened to visitors every summer since 1937. The space continues to honor the late Marcella Sembrich and host performances of talented musicians from around the globe.