Rufus Wainwright and GIO Symphonia

Rufus Wainwright, born in New York's Hudson Valley, is a Juno-winning, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter known for lush, theatrical pop. Influenced by Tin Pan Alley and opera, he scored hits like "Release the Stars" and paid tribute to Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall. His diverse collaborations include Helena Bonham Carter, Florence Welch, and John Legend. Raised in Montreal, he debuted in 1998 and also composed opera and classical pieces, further showcasing his versatility.