Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Hudson River, 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.
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.
Hudson Sets Sail: Douglas Ray Williams
Aboard the Schooner Apollonia
Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Departs from Henry Hudson Riverfront Park
75-90min sail. Limited capacity
Douglas Ray Williams, bass-baritone
Eliot Figg, keyboard
Known to Hudson Hall audiences for his searing performances in Rodelinda and Giulio Cesare, bass-baritone Douglas Ray Williams sheds his villainous roles for a charming evening of Handel on the Hudson River accompanied by keyboardist Elliot Figg (Ruckus). On board refreshments provided.
Douglas Ray Williams
Douglas Ray Williams is a bass-baritone and actor known for his expressive performances across opera and concert stages worldwide. He has appeared with leading ensembles including the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and London Symphony Orchestra, and is featured on numerous acclaimed recordings. A versatile performer onstage and off, he brings both musical depth and theatrical nuance to his work.
Elliot Figg
Elliot Figg is a keyboardist, conductor, and composer based in New York City. Elliot is a core member of Ruckus, ACRONYM, Makaris, and House of Time. Recent operatic engagements include assistant conductor and harpsichordist for Gluck’s Orfeo (Dallas Opera), Haydn’s Jupiter’s Journey to Earth (Little Opera Theatre of NY), Vivaldi’s Farnace, Cavalli’s Veremonda (Spoleto Festival USA), and Dido and Aeneas (LA Opera).
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.
Special thanks to Pocketbook Hudson, our Event Hospitality Partner, for welcoming tonight’s performers and helping make this evening possible.
Hudson Hall thanks its Warren St. neighbor Neverstill Wines for generously donating wine to this event.
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