A few words about the chamber music series The Hudson Chamber Music Hudson took off in the early 1980s when it was proposed that the Strawberry Festival, at St. James Church, presents 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 to the music club in Hudson to 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 Harley 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 90's. 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. 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.
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