Hudson Sets Sail

Handel Sets Sail continues Hudson Hall’s Handel on the Hudson opera series with a trio of intimate performances aboard the Schooner Apollonia, a historic wind-powered sailing vessel set against the Hudson River.

Hudson Sets Sail: Fiona Gillespie

• Aboard the Schooner Apollonia
• Saturday, August 8 at 7:30 PM
• Departs from Henry Hudson Riverfront Park
• 75–90 min sail. Limited capacity

Featuring guest vocalists alongside musicians from early music band Ruckus (Rodelinda, Giulio Cesare), these performances offer a close encounter with Handel’s music, drawing on the spirit of seafaring and adventure at the heart of Hudson Hall’s upcoming production of Deidamia (2027), directed by R. B. Schlather.

Singer Fiona Gillespie joins guitarist and Ruckus co-founder Paul Morton for a sunset sail with folk and classical music inspired by the sea—including Handel’s Deidamia and the siren song from Rinaldo, alongside Celtic and folk traditions from across the pond. Onboard refreshments provided.

Fiona Gillespie

Fiona Gillespie is a singer, educator, and arts organizer whose work spans Celtic, folk, and early music traditions. She has appeared at Lincoln Center and with ensembles including Ruckus, Apollo’s Fire, and Skylark, and is featured on multiple GRAMMY-nominated recordings. Raised in a family of Celtic musicians, she grew up singing and playing in traditions centered on community and gathering.

Paul Morton

Paul Holmes Morton is a plucked instrument specialist practicing disciplines from the European Renaissance to modern Americana. With a lute, guitar, and banjo, Morton is a member of Ruckus, Makaris, and The Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado and explores traditions of the Celtic diaspora with The Chivalrous Crickets. An active recording artist, he can be heard on numerous albums by The Chivalrous Crickets, Makaris, Ruckus, Tiny Glass Tavern, and Paul Simon.

Tickets:

• $60 (plus $5 fee). Due to very limited capacity, ticket purchases are limited to two per person.

Please note: This performance takes place aboard a sailing vessel on the Hudson River. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that participation involves inherent risks associated with boating and water-based activities. This event is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.

Hudson Hall’s programs are made possible with support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.