‘Winter Concert’ on Dec. 3 hosted by The Friends of the Malden Public Library and the Malden Historical Society

On December 3, Brazilian soprano Mariana Suzini and Latvian mezzo-soprano Natalja Sticco of Malden’s Mystic Side Opera Company will present a spectacular Winter Concert at the Malden Public Library, sponsored by The Friends of the Malden Public Library and the Malden Historical Society. The singers will be accompanied on piano by Ke Xin Tian of Singapore. The concert will also mark the official end of Mystic Side Opera Company’s 2023 Season, and it will include exciting announcements for its 2024/25 Season beginning this spring. All are invited to attend the free concert at 2:00 p.m. followed by a social hour with refreshments in the magnificent Ryder Gallery of the Converse Memorial Building. The one-hour program of selections will include winter-themed classical works that encapsulate the spirit of the season as shared across cultures.

Natalja Sticco, a Malden resident, is well-known throughout our community and worldwide. The Winter Concert celebrates the magic and merriment of the season with beloved arias and duets from classic operas, operettas and art songs performed in Italian, French, Spanish and more. Selections like “Must the winter come so soon” from Barber’s “Vanessa” transport listeners to wintry scenes with evocative English lyrics. The lively “Je veux vivre” from Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette,” sung in French, captures youthful joy and romance. Other pieces like the Spanish “El Molondrón” and the Italian “Flower Duet” from “Lakmé” sparkle with seasonal charm. Suzini will also perform “Melodia Sentimental” by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. The concert will conclude on a high note with gorgeous duets full of harmony and cheer, including the French Barcarolle from “The Tales of Hoffmann.”

Through these special selections in diverse languages, Suzini, Sticco and pianist Ke Xin Tian perfectly capture the spirit, emotions and sights of the winter season. The Friends of the Malden Public Library and members of the Malden Historical Society are delighted to present this musical gift celebrating Malden’s cultural richness.

The concert is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. After the performance, guests can enjoy seasonal refreshments, socialize with friends old and new, and learn more about our favorite volunteer organizations.

The Friends of the Malden Public Library is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the MPL’s activities through fundraising activities as well as promoting the appreciation and enjoyment of our stellar Library. In 2023, the Friends have aimed to partner with local businesses for mutual promotion, with all funds from any events going to the MPL. The Friends are also present at community events in an effort to increase their membership – as Malden was recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the Commonwealth, the Friends strive to reflect that diversity in their members. There is something for everyone at the Friends!