The Rufus Wainwright phenomenon (Rhinebeck, New York, USA, 1973) began when his debut album, released 1998, won him the title of Best New Artist of the Year from Rolling Stone magazine. Since then, his orchestral and baroque pop and unmistakable mix of opulence and intimacy have won him a growing lie of admirers and a classical status that at his thirty-five years is more than just an exception, it’s a true feat. Rufus stands out as one of the best and most unusual musical talents to have come to the fore in the past decade. Influenced by everything from folk to opera, electro-pop, the French chanson and musicals, his style is an exquisite meeting of contrasts: caustic, confessional lyrics, megalomania, vocal mannerisms, opulence, histrionics… carrying off sublimely, what in others could be somewhat tacky. His album releases are further evidence of how Wainwright has honed his craft, acquiring sweetness, maturity and a certain epic quality that has lifted him even higher. Rufus Wainwright (98), Poses (01), Want one (03) and Want two (04) and Release the stars (07) –performed on our stage last November– define a composer, singer and performer who is pretentious, shameless, egocentric…whilst simultaneously a perfectionist, versatile, entertaining, breath-taking… fantastic.