For five nights in July, Rufus Wainwright will become the first solo artist to take up residency in the Royal Opera House for an amazing and unprecedented series of concerts in the iconic building. One of the world’s most innovative musicians and live performers, Rufus will take over the ROH with special guest appearances by his sister Martha, his father Loudon and opera singer Janis Kelly.
For the opening night on Monday 18 July, Rufus will perform his celebrated Judy Garland tribute concert Rufus Does Judy! Stephen Oremus, responsible for the music in the hit musical, Wicked, will conduct the Britten Sinfonia as Rufus performs his staging of Judy Garland’s 1961 comeback show at Carnegie Hall, described as the “greatest night in show business history”. Demand for tickets is expected to be so high that Rufus will repeat the concert on Friday 22 July, the fourth night of his shows.
For the second night of the five night residency, Rufus will perform with his sister Martha Wainwright, herself no stranger to the Royal Opera House stage. Martha has previously performed with The Royal Ballet in the singing role of Anna in Kurt Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins.
Keeping it a thoroughly family affair, Rufus’s father, Loudon Wainwright, will join him on stage for the evening of Thursday 21 July.
Wrapping up the shows for the grand finale of the week will be a concert version of Rufus’s critically acclaimed debut opera, Prima Donna, again with the Britten Sinfonia and conducted by Stephen Oremus, followed by Rufus performing some of his solo work. Prima Donna, sung by opera singer Janis Kelly, was first performed at the Manchester International Festival in 2009 and is the story of Régine Saint Laurent, an ageing opera singer trying to confront her past in order to regain her triumphant status as one of the world’s greatest sopranos. The last show will finish with a flourish as Rufus takes centre stage to perform some his own inimitable songs.
Deborah Bull, Creative Director of the Royal Opera House said “We’re very excited about having Rufus and the Wainwright family here in July next year, particularly following Martha's outstanding performances with The Royal Ballet. Our stage is renowned the world over as a place where a wide range of singers tell stories and engage the emotions through the power of the human voice and these performances, by Rufus and his family, will continue in this tradition whilst extending the diversity of the artists and the musical genres we offer.”
Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the ROH added “It’s important for us to present new and different opportunities for audiences to come and enjoy all that the Opera House has to offer and to make the most of our wonderful theatre. I’m thrilled that Rufus Wainwright will be part of our Summer Season this year.”
LISTINGS:
18 July: Rufus Does Judy! Britten Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Oremus
19 July: An Evening with Rufus and Martha Wainwright + band
21 July: An Evening with Rufus and Loudon Wainwright + band
22 July: Rufus Does Judy! Britten Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Oremus
23 July: Concert Version of Prima Donna with Janis Kelly, plus
Rufus Does Rufus with Britten Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Oremus
Ticket prices: £25 - £100
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