Rufus Wainwright (born 22 July 1973, Rhinebeck, New York) is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter and composer whose work spans baroque pop, art song, and opera. Son of folk legends Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, he debuted in 1998 and has since released eleven studio albums, written two operas, and collaborated with artists ranging from Elton John to David Byrne. Rolling Stone named him Best New Artist of 1998, and he has received three Grammy nominations.
Wainwright released his live tribute album 'I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Wainwright Does Weill' with the Pacific Jazz Orchestra on 21 November 2025.
A multi-artist concert organised by Wainwright in New York City raised $60,000 for the ACLU's LGBTQ & HIV Project.
Wainwright released the single 'Married' from the West End cast recording of John Cassavetes' 'Opening Night', for which he wrote the music and lyrics.
Wainwright announced 2026 European tour dates alongside East Coast US shows, continuing to tour in support of the Weill tribute album.
A performance of 'Wainwright Does Weill' with the Metropole Orkest is scheduled at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht in January 2027.
