The Independent London Newspaper
Classical and Jazz: Preview - Rufus Wainwright- Kenwood Picnic Concert - Sat July 3
Published: 01 July 2010
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
IF you’re going to the Kenwood Picnic Concert on Saturday evening, don’t clap your hands or shout “bravo” during the first half of Rufus Wainwright’s show – or when he leaves the stage for the interval. And don’t take any pictures.
The American born singer-songwriter has specifically asked the Kenwood audience not to applaud during the first set or during his exit from the stage at its end. Rather, keep the applause until he has disappeared from view as his mode of exit is an integral part of the show. After a brief intermission, Rufus will return for the second half, expecting members of the audience to applaud to their hearts’ content.
The crucial first half of the show is to present a new song cycle performed against the backdrop of visuals by Douglas Gordon, the inventive Scottish film artist. Part of the visuals involve Rufus’s fluttering eyes caught by a camera shooting at 1,000 frames per second.
“When most I wink, then do my eyes see best,” he says, citing Shakespeare.
While his eyes flutter like crazy on the big screen, Rufus will sing items from his new album All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu. If samples of the album are anything to go by, some of his may be out of tune.
In the second half, Rufus intends to sing numbers from his other albums and do his celebrated impersonation of Judy Garland.
• Rufus Wainwright is at Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, NW3, on Saturday July 3, 7.30pm,
from £31/cons £29.50, 0844 412 2706, www. picnicconcerts
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Rufus concert
Occasionally newspaper reports contain an inaccuracy.
This one though is remarkable. Because almost everything in it is inaccurate.
Here goes.
No ban on applause - or even shouting bravo.
No ban on pictures.
No dramatic entrance or exit.
No intermission - brief or otherwise.
No song cycle.
No backdrop of visuals.
No fluttering eyes.
Nothing out of tune.
And hey, this wasn't too difficult to research was it? The details of the this concert have been in the public domain for months, on Kenwood literature and on the internet.
There is one true statement in this piece. Yes, the picnic concert was Saturday. But the rest of it, every single word, is wrong.
Quite an achievement, Mr Taylor.
Rufus concert
Occasionally newspaper reports contain an inaccuracy.
This one though is remarkable. Because almost everything in it is inaccurate.
Here goes.
No ban on applause - or even shouting bravo.
No ban on pictures.
No dramatic entrance or exit.
No intermission - brief or otherwise.
No song cycle.
No backdrop of visuals.
No fluttering eyes.
Nothing out of tune.
And hey, this wasn't too difficult to research was it? The details of the this concert have been in the public domain for months, on Kenwood literature and on the internet.
There is one true statement in this piece. Yes, the picnic concert was Saturday. But the rest of it, every single word, is wrong.
Quite an achievement, Mr Taylor.
Rufusworld!
Are you sure? I had the impression this was a different show, more mixed, ie. not part of his current tour. I've seen it & it's great but can't see it working at Kenwood.
You don't seem to like his album, each to their own, but the line is ..... 'then do mine eyes best see'. Know your Shakespeare!
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