Sembrich Summer Festival: Meet the Maestra - Studio Talk & Film

About this event

Meet and greet Maestra Mélisse Brunet, a prominent American conductor and rising star on today’s musical scene. Beginning at 6:30 PM with an indoor studio talk, Maestra Brunet will share the challenges and experiences of her career in music and offer behind-the-scenes insight into her participation in the documentary Maestra (2023). At 7:00 PM, the conversation continues outdoors at an intimate lakeside reception, followed by an outdoor screening of the film at 7:30 PM.

Brunet currently serves as the Music Director of the Lexington Philharmonic and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. A native of Paris, France, with Spanish and Italian roots, Brunet began her musical studies on the cello and later learned to play the trumpet, French horn and piano. Brunet holds multiple diplomas from the Paris Conservatory, a bachelor's degree in music from the Université La Sorbonne, a Professional Studies diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and a Doctorate in conducting from the University of Michigan.

Maestra (2023) follows five international women who participate in 'La Maestra,’ the only competition in the world for female orchestra conductors. Mélisse Brunet will be on hand to introduce the film – and will stay on after the screening to take questions from the audience.

6:30 PM - Studio talk (inside)
7:00 PM - Small lakeside reception (outside)
7:30 PM - Film screening (outside)

Film Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 1 hour 28 minutes

About the Sembrich Summer Festival

This event is part of the 2026 Summer Festival, Brava! Celebrating Women in Music, a season honoring the extraordinary artistry, resilience, and influence of women in music. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake George, Brava! pays tribute not only to great female performers, but also to women composers, patrons, educators, and cultural leaders whose contributions have often been overlooked.

Through a thoughtfully curated series of concerts, lectures, and exhibitions, the 2026 Festival explores themes of artistic empowerment, mentorship, and creative legacy, from the Gilded Age to today's international stage.