'Nutcracker Suite' comes to library
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

PHOTO/SUBMITTED Classical pianist Alfred Watson will perform at the Hudson Public Library Saturday Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.

Hudson - During the Christmas holiday season, audiences across the world have come to enjoy performances of "The Nutcracker Suite," composed by Peter Tchaikovsky. This year, the enchanting story of Clara and her musical journey will be featured in a free performance at the Hudson Public Library Saturday Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.

Alfred Watson, a graduate of the Julliard School of music in New York and an accomplished classical pianist and composer, will lead the audience through a onehour lecture and presentation. Watson, who has developed a unique rendition of the classic story, will take the audience back in time as he weaves the story of Tchaikovsky's life through the story and music of the Nutcracker.

Cora Arsenault, the adult resource librarian responsible for bringing this program to Hudson, hopes that both active and non-active library members will attend the event.

According to Arsenault, the concert, to be held in the Children's Room, is an opportunity for all residents to take a break from the busy holiday season and stop in for a free and entertaining performance.

"This event is part of our regular holiday events," Arsenault said.

She explained that this and other community and cultural activities have long been a part of the library's programming.

"We have always offered adult programming … People often forget [that] as they grow older and they associate library events to children's activities like summer reading," she said.

Although offering activities for all ages is not new to the library, the upcoming performance is a unique event that the library has never sponsored before, and Arsenault hopes that Watson's performance will draw a large audience.

"It is important to have a varied calendar of events," Arsenault said.

The Nutcracker event is a drop-in program that does not require pre-registration.

For more in formation about the Nutcracker performance or about other programs, contact the library at 978-568-9644.