Wainwright does Weill with Metropole Orkest

Rufus Wainwright and Metropole Orkest join forces for a powerful tribute to legendary composer Kurt Weill. The tour is inspired by Wainwright’s new album I’m a Stranger Here Myself – Wainwright Does Weill, in which he delves into the rich and layered oeuvre of the German-American composer.

With his signature theatricality, warmth and dramatic flair, Wainwright brings a renewed sense of urgency and expression to Weill’s music. Classical, cabaret and jazz merge into a compelling musical experience where melancholy and hope coexist. Speaking about Lost in the Stars, one of the project’s central pieces, Wainwright says:
“The dramatic and troubling message of Lost in the Stars is sadly far too relatable in our day and age, but the music always gives hope.”

Following earlier performances in cities including New York and Los Angeles, Wainwright Does Weill now returns in a new, large-scale orchestral form with the Metropole Orkest. Together, they present Weill’s timeless repertoire, including Surabaya Johnny, September Song and Je ne t’aime pas, in rich arrangements filled with emotional depth and a contemporary sensibility that honours Weill’s spirit.

Praised by The New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Rufus Wainwright is regarded as one of the most versatile and expressive voices of his generation. Born in New York and raised in Montréal, he has released ten studio albums, several live albums and collaborated with artists such as Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Sting and Mark Ronson. His work moves effortlessly between pop, opera and musical theatre. He has written two operas, composed music for film and television, and released the GRAMMY-nominated album Unfollow the Rules in 2020.

With Wainwright Does Weill, Rufus Wainwright presents a moving and contemporary tribute to Kurt Weill, a composer who, like Wainwright himself, operates at the intersection of high art and popular culture.