The ever popular singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright loves spectacle.
The New York-born artist has recorded eleven studio albums and numerous tracks on compilations and film soundtracks and also written two classical operas.
Now, together with the Brussels Philharmonic orchestra, including Belgian soloists Katrien Baerts and Denzil Delaere, he will perform his second opera, “Hadrian”, in combination with his best songs at Brussels’ Bozar theatre later this month.
Wainwright has loved opera since childhood. According to the Canadian/American composer and singer-songwriter, no other theatre genre “allows the light of day to explode in so many colours.”
In 2009 he released his first opera Prima Donna to much acclaim.
Hadrian followed in 2018, and is “a deeply felt portrait of the Roman emperor of the same name.”
He went down in history as a complex leader with a focus on art, philosophy and diplomacy. Less known is his open homosexuality.
History remembers Hadrian for his qualities as a strategist and diplomat. A lover of art and philosophy, he openly displayed his homosexuality, although the latter point is less well known.
Together with librettist Daniel McIvor, Wainwright zooms in on the last day of Hadrian’s life, and on his love for the young Antinous.
After the stage production, there is now also a version for the concert hall: shorter but no less intense, with projected images by cult photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
Brussels Philharmonic accompanies five soloists through the compelling story, including the pioneering bass-baritone Davóne Tines in the title role.
After the break, Wainwright sings an anthology from his song repertoire. The performance is part of the Klarafestival, which runs from 8-24 March.
Brussels Philharmonic, Rufus Wainwright & Clark Rundell
8pm 16 March, Salle Henry Le Boeuf,Bozar, Brussels
Further info: https://www.klarafestival.be
