San Francisco Chronicle

Rufus Wainwright to dip back into vintage songs

- — Aidin Vaziri

Rufus Wainwright, the man Elton John once described as “the greatest songwriter on the planet,” is on the road revisiting his first two albums, 1998’s self-titled debut and its 2001 follow-up, “Poses.” The shows offer a timely reminder of the Canadian singer-songwriter’s unbounded wit, maximal melodrama and flair for crafting beautiful, show-stopping melodies.

“Twenty years, what can I say?” Wainwright says. “In life, one stands the test of time, but in music, thankfully, one reaps the rewards. Come savor a very fine vintage of songs — those were some pretty good years.”

While Wainwright’s career has since taken plenty of creative detours (the note-for-note tribute to Judy Garland, the much-maligned French opera), his magic remains undiminish­ed. In October, he debuted his second opera, “Hadrian,” inspired by the Roman emperor Hadrian and his love for the boy Antinous, at the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto.

Wainwright is scheduled to perform at the Masonic on Saturday, Nov. 10. Rufus Wainwright: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. $39.50$75. Masonic, 1111 California St., S.F. sfmasonic.com

 ?? Jenny Anderson / Getty Images ?? Rufus Wainwright is marking his 20th year as a recording artist with a tour that looks back.
Jenny Anderson / Getty Images Rufus Wainwright is marking his 20th year as a recording artist with a tour that looks back.

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