In conversation with Rufus Wainwright

Celebrated for his boundless creativity through diverse genres, Rufus Wainwright unveils his Dream Requiem on 14 June. This composition masterfully integrates Byron's apocalyptic poem Darkness with the traditional Latin text of the Requiem mass. Inspired by the worldwide pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and influenced by Wainwright's profound encounter with Verdi's Requiem in his earlier years, the work is a transformative experience. The world premiere of Dream Requiem was offered to EBU radio organizations by Radio France, and is accessible through MUS. The work will be performed by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, the Chorus and Children's Chorus of Radio France with soprano Anna Prohaska and Meryl Streep as narrator, under the baton of Mikko Franck. 

To accompany this offer, Rufus Wainwright will give an exclusive interview, as part of the Music Unit's Music and Radio 60-minute sessions. Join us on 6 June 2024 at 16:00-17:00 CEST for this conversation moderated by Michael Berkeley, composer and broadcaster for BBC Radio 3.

The work was co-commissioned by Radio France, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Royal Ballet London, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Palau de la Música Catalana Barcelona, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest.