Rufus Car Master returns to the stage as a fearless, unforgettable performer who blends theatre, storytelling and music. The show unfolds with a mix of feathered glamour, sharp wit and a live piano that carries the room with offbeat energy and sincere emotion. He offers a performance that lingers in the listener’s memory long after the curtain falls, moving from intimate confession to full-on theatrical bravura.
Rhinebeck, a long-standing figure in the music world, was born in New York and raised in Montreal. The son of renowned musicians Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, he was exposed early to a wide spectrum of sounds, from classical piano interpretations to bold contemporary lyrics. Those roots in opera and French chanson surface in his work, which often sits somewhere between baroque sensibility and room-pop immediacy. His career spans operatic commissions at major venues and moments that nod to the memorial and the dramatic tradition of the stage, with performances that echo the spirit of Judy Garland and the grand, nostalgic moments of late 20th-century concert history. The artistry is a tapestry of influences, weaving together theatricality and intimate storytelling across a broad repertoire.
Last March, Rufus Wainwright announced a new album, folkocracy, slated for release as a cinematic experience on June 2, right before his 50th birthday. The project marks a return to core musical roots, steering away from pop and operatic flourishes toward a more personal, family-inspired sound. It fuses diverse voices including Anohni, Nicole Scherzinger, David Byrne, Chaka Khan, Sheryl Crow and John Legend, creating a collaborative mosaic that highlights shared musical lineage and fearless experimentation.
A Rufus Wainwright concert is described as lyrical, epic and deeply affecting, offering one of the most intense listening experiences for music lovers. Esteemed peers have praised him across generations, and his performances range from lullabies to operatic-like arias, resisting easy categorization and inviting every audience member to find their own resonance within the set list.
What is the guiding philosophy behind the folkocracy project?
Rooted in two folk-lineages, the McGarrigles and the Wainwrights, the artist grew up immersed in these traditions. The early seriousness of the family informed a personal path that embraced folk music while absorbing a broad spectrum of influences. The song selection is intimate, featuring composers admired by the family, including Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl.
How were the guest artists chosen and how was the repertoire shaped?
Guest choices came from admiration for specific artists. Some collaborators, like siblings or Anohni, Brandi Carlile and Chaka Khan, were familiar partners, while others such as John Legend, Susanna Hoffs and Nicole Scherzinger were new collaborations. For the set list, each artist was invited to perform a song that fit their voice and style, with thoughtful alignment to their strengths. For example, Scherzinger brought a Hawaiian sensibility to a piece, while Brandi Carlile selected a ballad that matched the tempo and intensity required for a classic Everly Brothers tune, and John Legend’s voice offered the right touch to embellish a chosen piece. The selections were intended to highlight both individual artistry and the album’s overarching mood, with a few pieces like Peggy Seeger’s Go Home coming to life in fresh interpretations.
Did Burt Bacharach leave a lasting impression?
Indeed. Bacharach was regarded as one of the greatest American composers, and the artist had the privilege of working with him on several occasions. Bacharach’s brilliant songs found their way into recent performances, including tours with orchestral ensembles and memorable store performances, underscoring the enduring influence of his craft.
What rules should be set aside in a fast-moving life?
Anything that steals time. Time grows more precious with age, and cutting away the nonessential helps keep life meaningful and focused.
How does Hadrian’s Memoirs influence the artist’s approach to opera and challenging critics?
Writing opera remains an intense journey that demands giving in to the characters. Hadrian was a larger, more intricate work than Prima Donna and offered a deep love story inspired by the Roman world. Critics hold diverse opinions, but their insights are part of the creative dialogue. Hadrian has been staged in Toronto with the Canadian Opera Company, Madrid’s Teatro Real and the Peralada festival, with more performances planned. The producer believes the story of Adriano, who discovers the greatest achievement lies in love, resonates with audiences and creators alike.
What is the relationship between classical influences and pop writing?
From the start, opera has been a secret engine of pop composition. A lifelong love of opera shapes melodic drama, and Shakespeare remains among the most influential collaborators in songwriting. The goal is to blend timeless storytelling with contemporary sensibilities while honoring the human core of every song.
What role did Joni Mitchell play in the artist’s development?
Childhood exposure differed, but later life allowed a deeper appreciation for Mitchell. A broader circle of concerts and collaborations helped reveal the depth of her influence, enriching the artist’s own musical perspective and performance approach.
How does Hollywood’s legacy influence the present work?
Old Hollywood style—ritualized performance, precise movement, and bold showmanship—offers a blueprint for how to present music with theatrical texture. Judy Garland’s presence remains a touchstone for stagecraft, combining talent with a fearless sense of showmanship.
What is the outlook on youth culture in modern pop?
Youth culture is celebrated for its energy and invention, even as artists themselves grow and evolve. The cultural landscape keeps renewing itself, with artists collaborating across generations, and new music continuing to push boundaries while acknowledging the past. A recent collaboration with Miley Cyrus on a track from her Flowers project showcased a mutual respect and creative openness that resonated with fans, underscoring authenticity over mere trendiness.
What can fans expect from upcoming tour dates, and will performances stay intimate or expand beyond the piano?
Spain remains a beloved destination, known for culture, cuisine and warmth. The tour will feature solo performances with piano and guitar, with a mix of material that moves from lighthearted moments to deep, reflective passages. The aim is to take the audience on a journey that balances laughter with heartfelt emotion, offering a memorable live experience.
History: Tomorrow, 21:00
Place: Circus Theatre, Murcia.
Price: 20/28/38 euros.