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Rufus Wainwright

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Praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation. The New York-born, Montreal-raised singer songwriter has released seven studio albums, three DVDs, and three live albums, including the fantastic Grammy nominated Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall, which captured his celebrated Judy Garland tribute performance at the London Palladium in 2007, and the album Release The Stars which went Gold in Canada and the U.K.
Wainwright has received Juno Awards for Best Alternative Album in 1999 and 2002 for Rufus Wainwright and Poses, respectively, and nominations for his albums Want Two (2005) and Release the Stars (2008). He was nominated for Songwriter of the Year in 2008 for his Release the Stars album. He also composed the original music for choreographer Stephen Petronio’s work BLOOM which has toured across the country.
Musically Rufus has collaborated with artists including Elton John, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys and producer Mark Ronson among others. His most recent collaboration is on the title track of Robbie Williams’ latest album, Swings Both Ways, which was co-written with renowned musician and producer Guy Chambers and sung as a duet between Rufus and Robbie.
In addition to being a celebrated contemporary pop singer, Rufus has made a name for himself in the classical world. His much acclaimed first opera, titled Prima Donna, premiered at the Manchester International Festival in July 2009. The opera was subsequently performed in London at Sadler’s Wells in April 2010, in Toronto at the Luminato Festival in June 2010 and at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House in February 2012. Now fully established as a composer of operas, Rufus was commissioned by the Canadian Opera Company to write his second opera based on the story of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and Antinous. The new opera, Hadrian, premiered in Toronto on October 13, 2018.

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[West End, 2024]
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[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Composer

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Rufus Wainwright News


Pink Martini Vocalist China Forbes Shares 'Bring on the Rain' from First Solo LP in 15 Years


China Forbes – the glamorous voice of Portland, Oregon’s very own, world-famous “little orchestra,” Pink Martini – will be releasing her forthcoming album, The Road, on May 17, 2024 via Heinz Records. The Road displays a return to the singer-songwriter’s roots, sharing a journey of personal songs that tell the story of her life so far, highlighting themes of emotional depth and self-discovery. Listen to a single here!

Choir! Choir! Choir! Announces Second Show Of UN-SILENT NIGHT Epic Holiday Sing-Along!


Due to popular demand, Massey Hall will present a second Choir! Choir! Choir! show taking place at 2pm on Saturday, December 21, 2024 with “Un-Silent Night” EPIC Holiday Sing-Along!

Storm Large Takes the Stage This Weekend At Feinstein's


This Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, get lost in the powerful voice of STORM LARGE as she takes the stage at Feinstein's inside The Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

The Cherry Orchard Festival Will Present the New York Premiere of ADDRESS UNKNOWN


The Cherry Orchard Festival will present the New York premiere of ADDRESS UNKOWN, a playstarring pianist Evgeny Kissin and baritone Thomas Hampson in acting-only roles, based on the anti-fascist novel by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor banned in 1930s Germany.

OPENING NIGHT Starring Sheridan Smith Will End its West End Run Early


The new musical John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT will now end its run at the Gielgud Theatre on Saturday 18 May 2024.

Los Angeles Master Chorale Announces 60th Anniversary Season


Los Angeles Master Chorale has announced its landmark 60th Anniversary Season at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

 Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Reveals 2024-25 Season Lineup


 Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2024/2025 Season programming lineup. Learn more about the lineup here!

See Ari Axelrod, a Johnny Cash Tribute & More at Feinstein's This Month


Feinstein's has revealed the full lineup for April. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review Roundup: Ivo Van Hove, Rufus Wainwright Musical OPENING NIGHT Opens In London


Read reviews for the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT a new musical with book by Ivo Van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, starring Sheridan Smith.

Review: OPENING NIGHT, Gielgud Theatre


Now a stage musical, John Cassavetes’ 1977 film Opening Night was a commercial flop when it was released, later becoming something of a cult classic of American independent cinema. Director Ivo Van Hove specialises in bringing work to the stage that may be called “challenging”. Challenging can be hugely successful, but I’ve rarely seen a production more determined to confuse and frustrate an audience.

Photos: First Look At Sheridan Smith And More In John Cassavetes' OPENING NIGHT


See photos of the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT a new musical with book by Ivo Van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, starring Sheridan Smith.

Music Icon Judy Collins Comes To Westport Country Playhouse In April


Enjoy an evening with legendary singer Judy Collins at Westport Country Playhouse on April 12. The award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions.

Photos: Ben Jones Rocked the House at 54 Below


Humorist and singer extraordinaire Ben Jones wowed the crowd at 54 Below on Sunday night. His show, LET ME BE FRANK, played on March 10th to an appreciative audience at Broadway's Supper Club. Photographer Conor Weiss snapped some shots of the night.

Photos: First Look at OPENING NIGHT Starring Sheridan Smith


All new photos have been released from the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT, a new musical with book by Ivo Van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, starring Sheridan Smith. Check out the photos here!

Storm Large Returns To NYC In TALES FROM A BROAD At 54 Below


Vocalist and actor, STORM LARGE, returns to 54 Below for a three-night performance of her new show TALES FROM A BROAD.

Brandi Carlile, Jon Batiste & More Join Tanglewood 2024 Popular Artist Lineup


Exciting new additions to the Popular Artist Series at the Tanglewood Music Festival bring a parade of classic rock, contemporary pop and more to the stage. See who is performing!

Kronos Quartet Violinist John Sherba and Violist Hank Dutt To Retire From Group After 45+ Years


After over 45 years, Kronos Quartet members, violinist John Sherba and violist Hank Dutt, announce their retirement. The group welcomes new members Gabriela Díaz and Ayane Kozasa as they enter their sixth decade.

Show of the Week: Exclusive Prices and No Booking Fees For Sheridan Smith in OPENING NIGHT


Exclusive prices and no booking fees for Sheridan Smith in OPENING NIGHT at the Gielgud Theatre! Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!

Listen: Sheridan Smith Performs 'Magic' From New Musical OPENING NIGHT


Performances begin next week for the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ Opening Night, a new musical with book by Ivo van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, starring Sheridan Smith. Smith recently appeared on the Front Row podcast from BBC, where she performed the song 'Magic' from the musical. Listen here!

New Work Series WITCHES, QUEERS AND CLOWNS Will Bring A Host of Radical Artists to HERE in March


The three-week performance series will feature music, theater, comedy and cabaret work from Matt Bovee, Scout Davis, Amy Jo Jackson, Dan Mills and Ben Thornewill, Kristin McCarthy Parker, Adam J. Rineer, and others, as well as the world premiere of Witches!? In Salem?! by Matt Cox (Puffs).

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