December 2, 2010
This time when you see Rufus Wainwright, it will be personal. First, there’s no orchestra, just him, his voice and a piano. Second, Scottish artist Douglas Gordon has created a video close-up of Wainwright’s eye as an emotional stage element on the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter’s world tour.
Wainwright’s two nights in the popular Jorgensen Cabaret setting, on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 and 11, will feature songs from his new album, “All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu.” And it’s pure Rufus.
“With this album, when the curtain is raised, it’s me on my own,” says Wainwright, who toured with a 70-piece orchestra to perform his celebrated opera, “Prima Donna,” that debuted in 2009.
A favorite of critics and vocal purists, Wainwright has been dubbed “genuine” by The New York Times and “the greatest songwriter on the planet” by Elton John. He has released eight albums and three DVDs to date, and has appeared on numerous soundtracks and compilations, making music alongside Elton John, David Byrne, Rosanne Cash, Pet Shop Boys and Keane.
He composed music for choreographer Stephen Petronio’s work, BLOOM, and for a musical adaptation of Shakespeare Sonnets that debuted in 2009. He has acted in films, including Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” and the Merchant Ivory film “Heights.”
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Doors open at 7 p.m. Sandwiches, dessert, alcohol and other beverages are available for purchase, cash only. Regular tickets are $45, $38 and $34, with some discounts available. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860.486.4226, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Convenient free parking is available across the street in the North Garage.
Co-sponsored by the UConn Rainbow Center, with media sponsorship by The Rainbow Times.
