Wainwright to Lead “Super Orchestra” Created From University Ensembles at Upcoming Concert

By Anne Levin Last spring, McCarter Theatre’s director of presented programming Paula Abreu booked Rufus Wainwright for a concert to take place on Thursday, November 19. For the famed singer/songwriter, hiring a full orchestra was part of the deal. That gave Abreu and Debbie Bisno, who is McCarter’s director of University and artistic partnerships, an idea. What if the orchestra was made up of Princeton University students, alongside professionals, instead of a straightforward, professional group? “I wasn’t sure he’d be excited,” said Abreu. “He was extremely excited.” Accompanying Wainwright at the concert will be the Princeton Playhouse Sinfonia, a 40-plus-piece ensemble bringing together students from the Princeton Sinfonia, the Princeton Playhouse Orchestra, and the Princeton Jazz Ensembles, formed specifically for the event.

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