RUFUS WAINWRIGHT CAPTIVATES HAVANA!
My career as a journalist is still in its’ infancy, but I have been very fortunate, and have reported on many unforgettable experiences. One of those moments occurred recently when I attended a live performance by American-Canadian musician Rufus Wainwright.
The venue was Havana’s Grand Theatre and Rufus was joined on stage by Cuban troubadour Carlos Varela, accompanied by the Theatre’s orchestra. Rufus told the crowd that his music sounded best when preformed by an orchestra, and so it was, with songs from various genres, including pop, progressive rock, classical, and even opera. With many admiring fans around the globe, Rufus has established himself as one of his generations best singers.
He was born in New York, and raised in Montreal, and has had several acclaimed albums, including “Release the Stars” and “Poses.” He has performed alongside other musical greats including Elton John and Robbie Williams. His music was featured in the movie Shrek and the musical “Across the Universe,” which was dedicated to the Beatles. His opera “Prima Donna” opened at the Manchester International Festival, and won a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Opera. Whatever others may think, I for one have become a huge fan of Rufus Wainwright. The performance I attended in Havana this past September was unforgettable. I relized I was crying when Carlo Varela began to sing Colgando del Cielo and was surprised, but I was even more surprised when it happened again when Rufus sang Grume Negrita, a Cuban classic. This assignment turned out to be one of the most memorable performances I had ever attended, I was so overwhelmed I even hurt myself getting home that night!
See you in Havana!
By Clao York