GMChorale Gala tickets now available

MIDDLETOWN — Members, friends and former singers of the GMChorale are invited to attend a memorable gala celebration at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill, 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown, on June 10 at 4 p.m. It presents an opportunity to enjoy fine food and drink, meet and greet the musicians, learn what’s planned for the upcoming season, take part in a silent auction fundraiser and listen to some fine choral singing. Joseph D’Eugenio, now in his 20th season as GMChorale’s artistic director and conductor, will be honored for his vision and accomplishments.

A gala menu is planned, complete with appetizers and a buffet dinner catered by the Aqua Turf Club and a full-service bar. Wine and beer are included in the price of admission. The silent auction of items includes a week at a Maine cottage and a special weekend in Stockbridge, Mass., with Tanglewood tickets. Also up for bid are tickets to the Illusionists at Waterbury’s Palace Theater, the Talcott Mountain summer series of the Hartford Symphony, and a Yard Goats game. There will also be museum passes, framed artwork and specialty theme baskets auctioned at the gala.

Under D’Eugenio’s leadership, the 80-voice GMChorale has premiered choral works by composers such as Gwyneth Walker, Eugenie Rocherolle, Peter Niedmann, Colin Britt, Ellen Gilson Voth, Lee McQuillan and Henry Mollicone. In 2011, the GMChorale commissioned Connecticut Grammy nominee and composer Sarah Meneely-Kyder to create Letter from Italy, 1944, with the libretto by her sister, poet Nancy Meneely. In 2016, the chorale established Alchemy, a new vocal chamber ensemble that performs several times a year in venues around the state.

As GMChorale enters its fifth decade, a new mentorship Initiative has been established in honor of D’Eugenia’s gifts as a musician, teacher and mentor to students, professional singers, accompanists, conductors and composers.

Gala reservations are due by May 26 at www.gmchorale.org or by calling 860-316-4854. Gala admission is $75 per person. necessarily the product. The public is welcome to attend East Hampton Art Association meetings for a fee of $4. Students are always free.