The British-German tenor was acclaimed by The New York Times following a performance in Carnegie Hall as "...easily the best tenor I have heard in a live Messiah." He is celebrated as the Evangelist in Bach's Passions, his unique dramatic interpretation of this rôle confirming his status as one of the world's most sought-after performers (“a sensational Evangelist”- New York Times). Rufus is also a leading recitalist, performing worldwide with pianist Maria João Pires, notably on tour in Spain, Germany, and Japan with Schubert’s Winterreise. The pre-pandemic season included Bach Passions and Handel Messiah in New York, Charleston, Washington DC, Carmel Bach Festival, The Royal Albert Hall, and Canterbury Cathdedral; Bach Christmas Oratorio in Washington, Britten Owen Wingrave in New York; Winterreise with pianist Kayo Iwama in Bard’s Fisher Center and in Boston. For the Beethoven 250th anniversary year, Rufus’ recording of Beethoven’s Scottish folksong arrangements O Sweet Were the Hours was issued on Rubicon Classics. This season he will sing with Boston Baroque, concerts and masterclasses in Canada, Matthäuspassion and Messiah in Washington. Rufus is an Associate Professor of Music at Bard College.
Photo Credit: Eleanor Bentall