Long Beach Heritage and The Bembridge House are celebrating 100 years of music with an evening of chamber music, a home tour and an elegant champagne reception Friday, May 18, at 7 p.m.
Few historic homes across the United States can boast the musical history inherent in the walls of the Bembridge House. Built in 1906, this home has always been an elegant venue for both local and internationally famous musicians.
Beginning with the building of the house by the Greene Family and the purchase of a 1906 Steinway grand piano, music has rung through these rooms. It is understood that the famous Dame Melba entertained guests at this house when she was on a concert tour performing at the Long Beach Auditorium. (She is the namesake for the famous Peach Melba.)
Following the death of pianist and teacher Dorothy Bembridge in 1999, Long Beach Heritage acquired this elegant Queen Anne Victorian Home through a grant from the Long Beach Navy Memorial Trust. A group of volunteers has accomplished seemingly endless maintenance and ongoing structural repairs through donations from many supporters. The home has become a source of education and delight with historic tours for local elementary schools, visiting dignitaries to Long Beach and other cultural organizations.
The committee has now taken on another renovation project, the rebuilding of the magnificent Steinway piano. With the completion of this project, the walls will once again ring with the music from chamber music concerts, private recitals and historic music tours.
The Bembridge House is located at 953 Park Circle in Long Beach, across the street from Drake Park.
Tickets are $50 and are tax deductible. Seating is limited, for reservations call (562) 493-7019. Tickets may also be purchased by mail. Send a check to: Long Beach Heritage, P.O. Box 92521, Long Beach, CA 90809.
Long Beach Heritage is a nonprofit education and advocacy group promoting public knowledge and preservation of significant historic and architectural resources and the cultural heritage of Long Beach. Net proceeds for this event will benefit and support the Historic Bembridge House. Long Beach Heritage Tours offer an opportunity for history-lovers to experience unusual architectural outings in an intimate setting.
