The Sembrich has announced its 2026 summer festival, “Brava! Celebrating Women in Music,” featuring 20 events from Sunday, June 7 through Wednesday, Sept. 2 on Lake George. The festival recognizes women composers and performers across centuries, from historical figures to contemporary artists.
Programming includes the Alfred Z. Solomon Masterwork Series, Touba Family Foundation World Music Wednesdays, The Sembrich Film Series, benefit events and special performances. The season spans classical recitals, global music traditions, film screenings and community showcases. An exhibition titled “A Cause for Singing” will be on view from Friday, May 23 through Sunday, Oct. 12.
Highlights include a Juneteenth celebration honoring Marian Anderson, a film series featuring five music-themed screenings including The Color Purple (2023), Florence Foster Jenkins (2016), Hilary and Jackie (1999), and both Wicked films, and performances by Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. World Music Wednesdays brings jazz guitarist Christine Tassan et les Imposteures, Celtic fiddler Mari Black’s trio and folk quartet Medusa to the lakeside venue.
The Maestra Residency includes a special studio talk and film on Sunday, July 27 featuring Mélisse Brunet, an open house at Wiawaka Center for Women on Tuesday, July 29 and a showcase at The Sembrich on Friday, Aug. 1. The festival closes Thursday, Oct. 9 with an exhibition-closing reception and studio talk titled “The Hawaiian Nightengale.”
Individual concert tickets range from $40 to $80, with members receiving a 10 percent discount on festival tickets. For tickets and more information, visit thesembrich.org.
The Sembrich 2026 Summer Festival Lineup:
May
23-Oct. 12 – “A Cause for Singing” Exhibition on View
June
7 – Young Performers Showcase (2 p.m.)
19 – A Juneteenth Celebration – A Tribute to Marian Anderson (7 p.m.) – presented in partnership with the Marian Anderson Historical Society, revealing the inspiring life of world-renowned singer Marian Anderson whose voice was a beacon of hope through the Civil Rights Movement and inspired generations of people around the globe – $40
27 – MASTERWORKS: Violinist Kinga Augustyn (7 p.m.) – praised as “stylish and vibrant” (The Strad Magazine) and “beyond amazing, one hell of a violinist!” (The Fanfare Magazine), bringing stunning musicianship to the evocative melodies of Clara Schumann, Amy Beach and Florence Price
29 – FILM: The Color Purple (2023) (7:30 p.m.)
July
1 – Seagle Festival Preview (2 p.m.)
8 – WORLD MUSIC WEDNESDAYS: Christine Tassan et les Imposteures (2 p.m.) – jazz guitarist acclaimed for versatility and unique musicianship, reimagining Gypsy jazz with flair for over twenty years
13 – FILM: Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) (7:30 p.m.)
16 – Seagle Festival Children’s Opera (10 a.m.)
18 – MASTERWORKS: Soprano Vedrana Kalas (7 p.m.) – “Rooted,” a moving program shaped by heritage and resilience, native of war-torn Bosnia presenting folk-inspired songs by Ravel and Dvořák with music of former Yugoslav composers
23 – STUDIO TALK & TEA: Ladies of the Lake (Benefit Event) (2 p.m.) – celebrating nine notable ladies of accomplishment with ties to Lake George, presented by Betty Spinelli – $80
27 – STUDIO TALK & FILM: Meet the Maestra! Featuring Mélisse Brunet (6 p.m.)
29 – Maestra Residency Open House at Wiawaka Center for Women (2 p.m.)
August
1 – Maestra Residency Showcase at The Sembrich (7 p.m.)
5 – WORLD MUSIC WEDNESDAYS: Mari Black Celtic Trio (2 p.m.) – award-winning fiddler igniting the stage with the pulse and passion of Celtic music, delivering soaring jigs, fiery reels and cherished airs
8 – MASTERWORKS: The Overlook Quartet (7 p.m.) – hailed as “breathtaking” by New York Music Daily, New York-based string quartet dedicated to amplifying living composers and making contemporary chamber music both accessible and electrifying
10 – FILM: Hilary and Jackie (1999) (7:30 p.m.)
13 – The String Queens (7 p.m.) – praised for their authentic, soulful sound, Washington, D.C.-based trio blending classical, jazz and contemporary hits from Baroque favorites to today’s Billboard chart-toppers – $55
16 – Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra (7 p.m.)
19 – WORLD MUSIC WEDNESDAYS: Medusa (2 p.m.) – genre-defying folk quartet combining ancient string traditions with contemporary storytelling, featuring rare instruments and global influences from the Middle East to Appalachia
24 – FILM: Wicked (2024) (7:30 p.m.)
25 – FILM: Wicked: For Good (2025) (7:30 p.m.)
29 – GALA: Duo Amadeae (Sun-A and Esther Park) Piano Four-hands Concert (6 p.m.) – all-American program featuring dazzling concert showpieces by Judith Lang Zaimont, Amy Beach, Samuel Barber and George Gershwin performed on The Sembrich’s coveted 1905 Steinway, followed by lakeside reception
September
2 – Salon Concert: “Alma & Efrem: A Vocal Drama” (2 p.m.)
October
9 – Exhibition-Closing Reception & Studio Talk: “The Hawaiian Nightingale” (7 p.m.)
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