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Rufus Wainwright is considered to be one of the world’s most astounding songwriters. For years, he has unleashed his talent on all facets of pop music, but opera is actually where his original passion lies. As a child, he forced his family members to act in Puccini’s Tosca. So it was written in the stars that he would throw himself into an opera one day. In 2009 he debuted with Prima Donna, commissioned by - among others - Sadler’s Wells in London. In 2018 came the long-awaited new piece: Hadrian.

Hadrian creates the story of the last day of the Roman Emperor who ruled from 117-138 AD. Hadrian seems best known for the building of the wall in Britannia that bears his name, and for his conflict with Judea against rise of monotheism. But he is mostly unknown for what might be his greatest legacy, his having lived openly as a homosexual and his deep, unshakable love for another man, Antinoos.

Brussels Philharmonic presents Wainwrights’ opera in a concert version, in which ​Davóne Tines gets under the skin of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Although this symphonic version will certainly be given an intriguing visual interpretation. With the help of images from photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, a completely fresh light will be shone on the iconic emperor, and the rousing emotions from Wainwright’s notes will be masterfully symbolised. After the interval, Wainwright himself will sing his most beautiful songs in an orchestral adaptation.