NOVEMBER 16, 2025 – We have a wonderful duo playing arrangements for piano 4 hands. (more information below)
We fondly remember Mark Drake who left us in May 2025 after several years with health issues. Mark was an enthusiastic and creative supporter of the chamber music series for many years. We remember his pleasure to greet our audiences and introduce the musicians for the afternoon performances as well as the post concert receptions at their home where he and his wife Anne so graciously welcomed the musicians and the volunteers who assisted in the preparations for the concert. There were also occasions when musicians were lodged overnight at their home. As Hudson residents, Mark and Anne contributed to and participated in many aspects of community life here. A memorial service is planned for September 13, 2025 at 2 pm at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson.
Rosemarie Duval-Laplante & Jean-Michel Dubé
Duo Pianists – The piano duo of Rosemarie Duval-Laplante and Jean-Michel Dubé was formed in 2017. Both graduates of the Conservatoire de musique de Québec, they charm audiences with their charisma and stand out for their musical ideas and intimate sharing of the instrument. Their great complicity, on stage and in life, translates into sensitive playing and a remarkable unity of sound. Since its formation, the duo has distinguished itself both in Canada and internationally. For this recital, the piano duo transports us to the belle époque, with music by Ravel, Gershwin and Fauré.
Please review their biographies on the November web page.
Now in its 41th season, the Hudson Chamber Music Series aims to attract internationally renowned musicians to play chamber music in Hudson. We are a non-profit organization of volunteers from the Hudson area. Our annual concert series includes vocal music and music for small instrumental groups and soloists and is intended to attract local audiences. The repertory is varied, running the gamut from the Renaissance through Romantic to contemporary music, with occasional excursions into jazz, gypsy and other styles. Our concerts attract audiences of approximately 80 and until April 2024 took place in a wonderful setting, the hall of St. James Church on Main Road, a venue with impeccable acoustics and an unparalleled view of the Lake of Two Mountains. We are strongly committed to the local community. However, in April, a fire consumed the church and efforts are now underway to rebuild.
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Our support from the town of Hudson, individuals and local businesses allows us to keep our ticket prices low for all. In addition to the concert series, we have, when possible, organized an annual young persons’ recital that showcases talented musicians taught by Hudson and area music teachers.
A few words about the chamber music series
The Hudson Chamber Music Series took off in the early 1980s when it was proposed that the Strawberry Festival at St. James Church, present music entertainment. Mark Drake remembers a “set of bells of the United States and a quintet of English horns Kingston” were then present. The idea proved very popular and it was suggested that the Hudson Music Club take responsibility in order to give a more traditional twist to the event. Therefore, Patricia Harley, a local resident, in collaboration with the Hudson Music Club, invited graduate students from McGill University to play in the region. In 1986, when illness forced Patricia to retire, Patricia Kerridge, with the help of a group of volunteers, took over the series. The latter was developed in order to present a series of public concerts at St. James. It was a success.
Patricia Kerridge had been actively involved in the music community for many years and had taught at the Faculty of Music at McGill University where she developed a valuable network of contacts. Patricia’s husband, Raymond, participated for the first time in Music Club activities in the late 80s when he organized an advertising campaign for one of their annual musical theater productions. His involvement with the Hudson Chamber Music Series began in the early 90s. Gradually, as the popularity of the series grew, he took on responsibilities for finance, advertising, distribution of posters and room preparation. Subsequently, he became the master of ceremonies at each show in his inimitable style. In 2005, when the Kerridges retired to Victoria, British Columbia, Julie Schroeder took over as director of the Volunteer Committee. Sadly, Ray Kerridge died suddenly in 2007 and the 25th anniversary of the 2007-2008 series was dedicated to his memory. Julie passed on her administrative tasks for the 2008-2009 season to Mallé Jurima-Romet, who continued until illness intervened in late 2014. The 2015-2016 season was dedicated to her memory. Mark Drake, a dedicated supporter, kindly assisted as administrator to plan future concerts.
Currently, the volunteer committee continues to plan concerts and develop contacts with musicians of international renown, to invite them to perform in Hudson. The series has grown enormously since its inception and with your support and participation, it will continue to grow.
