Four generations of Yesue family turn out for memorial concert
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

PHOTO/LOUIS DEFILIPPI The River's Edge Chorale and Pro Musica Youth Chorus rehearse at Hudson High June 19 in preparation for their performance at the 10th Anniversary Yesue Memorial Concert.

Hudson - The sound of the tympani echoed through the auditorium as four generations of the Yesue family gathered for a concert to celebrate the memory of Alfredo N. Yesue. The River's Edge Community Band, River's Edge Chorale and the Pro Musica Youth Chorus kicked off the Summer Wood Park series June 20 with the 10th Anniversary Alfredo N. Yesue Memorial Concert. Despite the rain, nearly a full house of community members enjoyed the Arts Alliance-sponsored event in memory of the late musical legend.

Known to many in town as "the professor," Alfredo Yesue was an accomplished cellist who held a doctorate in performance and composition from the St. Cecilia's Conservatory at the Vatican in Rome. After immigrating to New York in the 1930s, he settled in Hudson in the late 1940s. He then spent the rest of his life in Hudson teaching music at St. Michael's School.

PHOTO/ANGELA GREINER The wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Hudson musical legend Alfredo N. Yesue attend the memorial concert. The family includes (front, l to r) Mary Yesue, Robert Yesue, and his wife, Jen, (middle, l to r) Albert Yesue with Arianna Smith on his lap, his wife, Peggy, their children Karen and David, (back, l to r) Greg Smith with his daughter Olivia and wife, Heather.

During the professor's time in Hudson, he was responsible for creating the CYO Band, which had over 300 students who performed throughout New England. He was best known for his passion for music and his signature dark suit and cigar.

At the concert, Alfredo's widow, Mary, a 52-year resident of Hudson, sat with her great-grandchildren.

"They are my angels," she said.

And Mary, 92, has not missed a memorial concert for her late husband.

"My dad was a music teacher who donated his free time to Hudson Catholic," their son Robert said, "and to bringing music to the town of Hudson."

Alfredo touched many people's lives and taught countless students. Robert expressed his gratitude to contributors whose financial support in his father's name allows the Arts Alliance to continue to off er the memorial concert and other programs.

PHOTO/ANGELA GREINER Pro Musica Youth Chorus performs June 20 at the 10th Anniversary Yesue Memorial Concert.

The River's Edge Community Band, under the direction of Jason Caron, performed several pieces, including "Candid Suite" by Leonard Bernstein.

Paul Johnson, the director of the River's Edge Chorale, had the audience's feet tapping as the chorus performed John Kandor's "All That Jazz," among other songs.

Jan Patterson, the executive director of the Arts Alliance, also directs the Pro Musica Youth Chorus, which also performed at the anniversary concert.

Because the professor is remembered by adults who, as children, developed their understanding of music under his tutelage, a performance of "Monkeys in the House" by the youth orchestra was proof that another generation of children will carry on the musical legacy that the professor began over 50 years ago in Hudson.

The summer concert series, sponsored by the Hudson Recreational Department, will run throughout the summer on Wednesday nights beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Wood Park or in Town Hall in the event of rain. Future performers include Rhythm and the Synergy Brass Quintet.