The Artists
There are not many brother-&-sister pairs that have each gone their own way so successfully and independently as Martha und Rufus Wainwright. As the children of famous parents – folk singer Kate McGarrigle and singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III – they grew up in Montreal, and made their first own stage appearances at an early age: Rufus was thirteen years old and Martha only ten when the two of them went on tour with their mother and aunt as »The McGarrigle Sisters and Family«.
Since then, Rufus has made an international name for himself as one the great singer-songwriters and composers of his generation. In the course of his 25-year career he has released nine studio albums and has stood on stage alongside artists like Elton John, David Byrne, Robbie Williams and Joni Mitchell. His sister Martha has likewise built up a large fan base with courageous and eloquent folk-pop. Since her debut album came out in 2008, she has released six more records and has made excursions to allied genres like electro and indie rock.
Rufus and Martha have only been reunited on stage since their mother died in 2010.
»Our mother’s greatest dream was for Martha and me to form a duo. When we were young we had to find our own path. But there is something to be said for what my mother saw when the two of us sang together. There is a power there.«
Rufus Wainwright
The Music :Loudon Wainwright III: Your Mother and I
The song »Your Mother and I« was written by Rufus and Martha Wainwright’s famous father Loudon Wainwright III. It forms part of a programme commemorating their late mother Kate McGarrigle. First performed in 2019, they also presented the programme in summer 2021 in the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall, accompanied by pianist and arranger Laurence Bekk-Day. They recorded this session directly before that in the soundcheck – live and in a single take.
»When Mum died, we sewed ourselves together again. We became one. It was like going back to a cellular level.«
Martha Wainwright
The Location
It’s the pulsating heart of the Elbphilharmonie: the Grand Hall. Its 2,100 seats are arranged according to the vineyard principle: the stage lies at the centre of the hall and is surrounded by rows of seating that ascend like the terraces of a vineyard. Over the stage hangs a large sound reflector.
About the series
Artists record exclusive music videos at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laeiszhalle for Elbphilharmonie Sessions – sometimes in unusual locations offstage. Discover the concert halls from the inside. Discover what they sound like.
Text: Laura Etspüler, last updated: 21 October 2021
