Rufus Wainwright’s Want Symphonic

Prepare for an evening of lush, cinematic sound as Rufus Wainwright returns to the Sydney Opera House for a one-night-only symphonic reinterpretation of his acclaimed Want One and Want Two albums. Joined by the majestic Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Rufus will guide audiences through a sweeping emotional landscape where baroque pop meets grand orchestral flourishes — all under the vaulted ceilings of the Concert Hall.

This isn’t simply a concert — it’s a reimagining. Imagine the intimate confessions of 'I Don’t Know What It Is' or the soaring melancholy of 'Dinner at Eight' transformed through 60 musicians, each note swelling with the richness only a live orchestra can deliver. Rufus’s signature vocal warmth and lyrical candor remain front and center, now enveloped in strings, brass, and percussion.

The collaboration between Wainwright and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra promises a performance that is both grand and deeply personal — a celebration of musical evolution, queer storytelling, and the magic of live orchestral performance. Whether you’ve loved Rufus since his early indie days or discovered him through the emotional depth of his later work, this concert offers something unforgettable.

As part of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras programming, the event carries the spirit of celebration and creative expression that defines the festival. The evening will be infused with warmth, elegance, and the quiet power of music that transcends genres and generations.

Accessibility is prioritised: wheelchair-accessible seating is available, and Mobtix offers assistive listening devices for patrons who need them. The experience is designed to be welcoming for all, regardless of ability or background.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear some of Rufus’s most beloved songs reborn in real time — the perfect blend of sophistication, emotion, and musical craftsmanship.