Winter Concert Celebrates the Spirit of the Season in Malden

Performances by Mystic Side Opera Company had Something for Everyone

Local residents came together at the Malden Public Library’s Ryder Galley last Sunday for a shared holiday tradition – the annual winter concert, which celebrates the magic of the season and the diversity of the local community. Malden’s Mystic Side Opera Company performed winter-themed arias and duets from classic operas and operettas that were performed in Italian, French, and Spanish, in recognition of the diverse languages spoken in town.

The free concert – hosted by the Friends of the Malden Public Library (MPL) and the Malden Historical Society – drew more than 70 people. Mystic Side Opera Company performers captivated the audience with selections from popular operas including Tosca, Samson and Delilah, Pagliacci, Rigoletto and Carmen. Among the performers was renowned mezzo-soprano Natalja Sticco – a Malden resident who performs worldwide – as well as tenor Brian Landry, flutist Susan Thorne Gagnon and pianist Eleena Gelfgatt.

“The Winter Concert is a special, meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season and showcase Malden’s cultural richness,” said Mary Ellen O’Meara, president of the Friends of the Malden Public Library. “The audience was thrilled by the joyous music, performed by an extraordinarily talented group of local artists. It was our sincere pleasure to host this event at the Library for all to enjoy.”

“I want to extend huge appreciation to the Friends of the Malden Public Library and the Malden Historical Society for hosting such a magnificent winter concert. This is one of our most popular events of the holiday season, and many community members look forward to it all year,” said Malden Public Library Director Dora St. Martin. “The Library’s breathtakingly beautiful Ryder Galley was the perfect setting for this festive event that ushers in the holiday season and brings neighbors together.”

The Malden Public Library has several seasonal events on the calendar this month, including a Holiday Book Sale on Dec.13, with complimentary gift wrapping and beverages sold by the Traveling Acoffeecary. On Dec.16, people are invited to wear their most festive sweater to the Library for a holiday movie and a seasonal singalong. For the children, the Library is hosting holiday-themed story time and crafts. All events and programming are free and open to the public. For more information about upcoming events, please visit the Events & Programs page of the Library’s website: https://maldenpubliclibrary.org/.

Located at 36 Salem Street, the Malden Public Library provides an assortment of free resources, items, and programming to meet the needs of the diverse Malden community. The Library is a private, non-profit corporation that was established with a trust fund from Elisha and Mary Diana Converse in 1885. The building’s maintenance, renovations, artwork, books, special programs, and more are funded by the historic Trust, with help from generous donations from individuals and private foundations. Compared to other Massachusetts libraries, the Malden Public Library costs taxpayers less while providing the same essential services.