Valentine's Day Rufus Wainwright Concert with Special Guest Martha Wainwright at the Kimmel Center, February 14
JANUARY 16, 2009
"[Rufus Wainwright] is simply, fabulously and stunningly talented…" —BBC
"Foolish Love," "Dinner at Eight" and "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk." Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright takes the stage for a Valentine's Day solo performance of original works, as part of his Kimmel Center debut on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 8pm in Verizon Hall. Rufus' younger sister, rising folk-rock singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright, opens the show with works from her recently released album I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too (2008).
A true musical polymath, Rufus Wainwright's sound varies from cabaret-inspired works to pop-opera to lush piano arrangements and a lyrical style reminiscent of The Beatles in tunes such as "April Fools." Rolling Stone heralded Wainwright's self-titled debut in 1998 as one of the best albums of the year, which may not come as a surprise to the many fans of folk music icons Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Wainwright's father and mother.
Wainwright's program will include works from his recent album, Release the Stars (2007), as well as his latest Grammy Award®-nominated live album, Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall (2007), among other albums released through the years.
Tickets are $30 and $40 and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at www.kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center box office open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings. (Additional fees may apply.) For group sales call 215-790-5883.
A limited number of $10 tickets are available for every Kimmel Center Presents performance at the Kimmel Center. Tickets go on sale the day of the event and can be purchased at the Kimmel Center box office beginning at 5:30pm prior to evening curtain time and 11:30am for matinees. Limit one ticket per person.
Rufus Wainwright has performed worldwide since the age of 13, touring extensively both as a solo artist as well as in collaborations with artists such as Elton John, David Byrne and Keane. Elton John has praised Wainwright as "the greatest songwriter on the planet" and the New York Times has lauded his "genuine originality." Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1998, Wainwright has released Poses (2001), Want One (2004) and Want Two (2005) to critical acclaim. Wainwright's first self-produced effort, Release the Stars, features guest appearances by notable vocalists such as Teddy Thompson, Jenni Muldaur and Lucy Roche, and recently went Gold in England.
He is currently composing a musical adaptation of Shakespeare Sonnets together with Director Robert Wilson at the Berliner Ensemble to be premiered in April 2009. His first opera, titled "Prima Donna," which depicts a day in the life of an opera singer, will premiere at the Manchester International Festival in July 2009. In early 2008, Wainwright created Blackoutsabbath, an event that promoted community awareness of environmentally-friendly practices. The concert included special guest performances by Joan Wasser, Jenni Muldaur and Teddy Thompson; participants were encouraged to make a list of ways to decrease energy consumption and save the earth's resources.
Rufus Wainwright's wide-ranging endeavors include composing original music for maverick choreographer Stephen Petronio's new work, BLOOM; guest-starring on the Pet Shop Boys' British live disc, Concrete; and contributing to the soundtracks for films Brokeback Mountain, I Am Sam, Moulin Rouge and Shrek. Beyond recording, Wainwright has appeared in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator and Merchant Ivory's Heights.
I Know You're Married...is "full of delicious melodies, bold arrangements and expert musicianship" —Los Angeles Times
"With a lush voice that hints of smoke-filled rooms, and lyrics that show an affinity for the grittier side of modern literature, [Martha] Wainwright's new album shines from the dark corners and hallowed recesses of a musical landscape where few wander" —Relix
A versatile performer, Martha Wainwright's expressive voice meshes elements of rock, folk, country and cabaret in an arsenal of powerful songs. I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too follows her self-titled debut album (2005), and EP, Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole (2005), as well as appearances on acclaimed albums by Linda Thompson, Gordon Gano and Geoff Muldaur, and projects by Rufus, Loudon and Kate & Anna McGarrigle. In addition to touring extensively throughout Europe, Canada, the United States and Australia in support of her new album, Martha Wainwright has joined her brother on tour, and has supported artists such as Cyndi Lauper and Van Morrison.
In June 2006, Martha Wainwright paid tribute to folk legend Leonard Cohen, a personal source of inspiration, at the Los Angeles Film Festival, as well as with performances at the Cohen tribute concert at Brighton's Dome Concert Hall in 2004, which later became the film and album Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man. In 2004, Wainwright appeared in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator in which she portrays a sultry torch singer; her song "I'll Be Seeing You" was added to the film's soundtrack.
Kimmel Center Presents' 2008/2009 Season is sponsored by Citi. The Great Orchestras on Tour Series is supported by 10 Rittenhouse Square. Additional support is provided by the University of Pennsylvania Health System, American Express, and Interpark. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Kimmel Center Presents. NBC-10 is a media partner for Kimmel Center Presents.
Free in the Plaza programming and subsidized tickets offered to the community and social service groups for $10 are made possible through the Wachovia Gateway to the Arts Community Access Program, supported by a generous grant from the Wachovia Foundation.
The Kimmel Center is the recipient of partnership funding through the nationally recognized PNC "Grow Up Great" initiative, a ten-year, $100 million investment in preparing children for success in school and life. Funding gives support to the Kimmel Center's early childhood program "Bop and Swing," an arts program for children 1-5 years old, designed to promote an appreciation for American culture.
KIMMEL CENTER PRESENTS SPONSORED BY CITI
Saturday, February 14, 2009 | 8pm
Verizon Hall
World & Pop Series
Rufus Wainwright, vocals, piano, guitar
Special Guest
Martha Wainwright, vocals, guitar
FREE AT THE KIMMEL:
Saturday, February 14, 2009 | 6:30pm and Post-show
Commonwealth Plaza | Free at the Kimmel
Alfred James Band
Join
us for a free performance of cello-driven acoustic rock by local artist
Alfred James and his band in Commonwealth Plaza prior to and following
the ticketed performance by Rufus Wainwright in Verizon Hall.
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