Rufus Wainwright performing opera excerpts @ World Financial Center, releasing 'House of Rufus' box set

House of Rufus will be released on July 18 and contain 19 discs including 6 studio albums, 2 concerts on CD, 4 discs of rarities/demos/collaborations/etc, and 6 DVDs. "All of this will be housed in a beautiful red velvet encased, 90-page hardback book containing rare and unseen photos, Rufus' early hand-drawn tour posters, handwritten lyrics, four art prints and other memorabilia, extensive sleeve notes featuring interviews with Neil Tennant, Martha Wainwright, Linda Thompson and Lenny Waronker and an introduction by Rufus." The set is up for pre-order now, and more details can be found on Rufus's site.

Much more imminent are the two Kate McGarrigle tribute shows happening at NYC's Town Hall in May. Check Ticketmaster for tickets to those.

No tickets needed for this one though:

Tuesday June 28, 2011
New York City Opera - Rufus Wainwright Goes To the Opera!
Presented by Arts World Financial Center

Join New York City Opera singers, pianist Kevin Murphy, and the great singer/songwriter and opera composer, Rufus Wainwright, who hosts a performance featuring excerpts from his opera Prima Donna (which receives its New York premiere at New York City Opera in Spring 2012) and a selection of his favorite arias. Wainwright will also perform excerpts from a selection of songs inspired by his love of opera.
7pm. World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey Street.

Rufus debuted a new song in March at a benefit called the Hope North Ping Pong Ball. Watch a video of that below...