Interview: Rufus Wainwright

Elton John once called him the “greatest songwriter on the planet” and American-Canadian composer and vocalist Rufus Wainwright has certainly done much to live up to this lofy title. His newly released compilation Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright spans a 16-year career that has included forays into opera and collaborations with A-listers like David Byrne and Robbie Williams. We spoke with the perpetually charming Wainwright ahead of his March 25th Divadlo Hybernia show.

Last time you were in Prague you played the Estates Theatre. What was it like playing in the shadow of Mozart?

And now you’re back. Did the success of the previous concert have anything to do with that?

Did you have a chance to explore much of they city when you were last here? 

Given your remarkable piano compositions, it makes sense that you’d be well received throughout Europe. Who are your heroes of classical piano?

You have performed with some of the world’s finest symphony orchestras. Who will support you in Prague? 

My sister Lucy [Wainwright Roche] is joining me on this tour. Also, Liza Minnelli has been known to show up…who knows.   

You are writing your second opera about the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Will there lascivious toga-tearing and accessible arias to attract the not-so-opera-inclined?

Many of our readers are expatriates living in Prague. Where do you feel most at home these days (I’m thinking of the lyrics from “Going to a Town”—I’m so tired of America—any truth to that song)?

You recently married your German partner. Any cultural relationship quirks that our readers might relate to?

I  saw you perform at the 2013 Kennedy Centers Honors for Billy Joel. Is he an inspiration? 

You also did a Grammy-nominated tribute to Judy Garland and there’s a new track on Vibrate called “Me and Liza”. What draws you to the divas?

I do love the ladies; the gay thing might have a bit to do with it. 

But of course you have your own entirely distinct sound. How do you combine all those musical elements and influences to get there?

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Rufus Wainwright
Divadlo Hybernia
March 25, 2014
20:00
Buy tickets here