Tree Swallow Cruise tickets now available

EAST HADDAM — St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church announces a benefit cruise on the Connecticut River aboard RiverQuest’s Adventure to view the Tree Swallow migration on September 30. One of nature’s truly astonishing events is the annual gathering of hundreds of thousand of Tree Swallows on the Connecticut River in the fall, just prior to their migration south. The swallows converge at dusk and form large clouds from which they descend into the communal roost along the shoreline. This has been declared as one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

There are two ticket levels. Patron for $150 which includes a private pre-cruise reception at the Gelston House in East Haddam with champagne and hors d’oeures from 3:45-4:30 p.m.; and a general price of $75. Both levels include food and beverage aboard the Adventure. The cruise starts promptly at 5:00pm so arrive early. Departure is from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam.

This cruise will be a unique St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church fundraising opportunity with a portion of the funds raised through ticket sales going to the East Haddam Fuel Bank.

About The Adventure: Captain Mark has found the best way to maneuver The Adventure to allow perfect views from her open decks on the bow and stern. Flexible seating ensures everyone gets optimal “up close and personal” viewing. The cruise is about 3.5 hours on the water. The cruise is primarily about the Tree Swallows, however, it is also about the journey there is so much to see while cruising along the river. Many birds are migrating through the area at this time; for the fall season, we saw a record number of Bald Eagles and Great Egrets last year. On board Naturalist(s), will educate you on the Tree Swallow phenomenon and all the other wildlife we see. On the return cruise home, there is time to chat with others and experience the river at twilight, blending into night. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars.

“This Tree Swallow cruise and viewing experience on the Connecticut River is an incredible opportunity to see the beauty of nature up close, to bring people together in a unique event and to provide a way for St. Stephen’s to raise money both for the church and a portion of the money raised will go to the East Haddam Fuel Bank,” said Tom Angers, Chair of the Tree Swallow Cruise Committee at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. “We are delighted to bring this event to the church and the East Haddam community.”

To purchase tickets and for more information please visit www.ststeves.org/cruise. a variety of backgrounds,” said Joseph D’Eugenio, the ensemble’s founder and Artistic Director. “Alchemy is a company of singers composed of music educators, professional soloists and performers, and skilled ensemble and avocational singers, including some skilled instrumentalists who happen to have great voices. Our focus is on preparing and presenting musical programs of the highest artistic quality.”

Alchemy’s season includes six to eight concerts by the chamber ensemble on its own, plus additional collaborations and outreach programs in communities across the state of Connecticut. The Alchemy singers are also members of the 80-voice GMChorale, which offers two major concerts each season, as well as other projects and collaborations.

Interested musicians are asked to submit a professional resume or summary of musical background, with details on musical experiences as soloist, ensemble singer, music educator, avocational singer, etc. Musicians selected to audition will be asked to sing two solo selections, such as an art song, an aria from an opera or oratorio, or a classical arrangement of a folk song or hymn. One of the solos must be sung in German, French, or Italian. Each singer will also be asked to sing the appropriate vocal part from three choral works (the music of which will be supplied in advance), and to demonstrate sight-reading and rhythm skills.

Auditions last about 30 minutes, and are heard by Alchemy’s Artistic Director Joseph D’Eugenio and principal Alchemy vocal coach Margaret Tyler. The Artistic Director will accompany the audition.

For more information on the audition process and requirements, and to schedule an audition, contact Alchemy manager Lorie Martin at lorie.martin@gmchorale.org or 610-207-5145.