Podcast Summary: Dear Chelsea – Episode: "Dream Requiem with Rufus Wainwright"

Release Date: April 24, 2025
Host: Chelsea Handler
Co-host: Catherine Law
Guest: Rufus Wainwright

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of "Dear Chelsea," host Chelsea Handler engages in an intimate and enlightening conversation with renowned musician and composer Rufus Wainwright. The episode delves deep into Rufus's latest project, "Dream Requiem," exploring its inspirations, creative process, and emotional undertones. Alongside personal anecdotes and professional insights, Rufus shares his experiences navigating the complexities of the music industry and personal relationships.

Welcome and Personal Updates

[04:57] Chelsea Handler:
Chelsea opens the conversation by sharing humorous personal updates, including anecdotes about her partner Doug's struggles with a stomach bug in Canada and the challenges of maintaining her life in Los Angeles amidst personal and professional upheavals.

Notable Quote:
"Nobody asks me what's going on with my house. If you're listening to this and you wanna rent a big house in Los Angeles for a lot of money, hit me up on DMs." – Chelsea Handler [03:45]

Introducing Rufus Wainwright

Chelsea warmly welcomes Rufus Wainwright, highlighting his talents as a singer, songwriter, and composer. The introduction sets the stage for an in-depth discussion about Rufus's new project and his journey in the classical music realm.

Notable Quote:
"He's an amazing singer, songwriter, composer, and legendary beauty." – Chelsea Handler [04:47]

Discussion on "Dream Requiem"

Inspiration and Creation

Rufus shares the genesis of "Dream Requiem," drawing inspiration from Byron's poem "Darkness" (1814) and the catastrophic volcanic eruption in Southeast Asia that plunged the world into darkness. This historical event parallels contemporary concerns about ecological collapse, serving as a poignant backdrop for his composition.

Notable Quote:
"As I fell in love with the poem, it's all about the end of the world, and it's about, like, ecological collapse." – Rufus Wainwright [10:33]

Collaboration with Meryl Streep and Jane Fonda

Rufus recounts the serendipitous collaboration with acclaimed actresses Meryl Streep and Jane Fonda, who serve as narrators for different performances of "Dream Requiem." The partnership with these iconic figures adds a profound emotional layer to the piece.

Notable Quote:
"Jane turned to me and she said, Rufus, I'm doing it. I was like, excuse me? She was like, no, I'm gonna. I will do it with you." – Rufus Wainwright [12:28]

Premiere and Future Performances

The premiere in Paris, featuring Meryl Streep, is a significant milestone for Rufus. He expresses immense gratitude and excitement for the upcoming performance at Disney Hall in Los Angeles on May 4th, highlighting the venue's magnificent organ that inspired the final composition of the Requiem.

Notable Quote:
"I'm gonna get to actually hear that organ play in the piece. So whatever. I just feel very fortunate." – Rufus Wainwright [58:40]

Navigating Artistic Challenges

Rufus opens up about the emotional toll of his previous projects, including the failed musical "Opening Night," which led to a period of depression. He discusses the cyclical nature of his creativity, where moments of despair fuel his artistic expression, creating a delicate balance between inspiration and emotional well-being.

Notable Quote:
"I've realized now in my 50s, is that there is this kind of machine that I've created where, you know, I get depressed and then I write songs and then I feel better, but then I gotta get depressed in order to write a song." – Rufus Wainwright [16:13]

Listener Questions and Advice

1. Tina’s Story: Navigating Family Dynamics with a Trans Relationship

Tina, a 47-year-old single mother, seeks advice on supporting her son who is dating a transgender man amidst conservative family members. Chelsea and Rufus emphasize the importance of open-mindedness, building a personal relationship with Tina's son's partner, and prioritizing her son's happiness over extended family opinions.

Notable Quotes:

• "Get to know your son's new love interest and spend time with them. Just keep opening your heart and your mind." – Chelsea Handler [32:38]
• "Be proud of yourself for being open." – Rufus Wainwright [33:40]

2. Amber’s Dilemma: Long-Distance Love and Career in Washington

Amber, a 28-year-old, grapples with balancing her thriving career and community in Washington with her love for a man living in rural New York. Chelsea suggests carefully planning visits, considering remote work opportunities, and maintaining her strong community ties while exploring the possibility of a bi-coastal lifestyle.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you're in love and you know it and you feel it, and you're 40 and you're ready to take a plunge for somebody, then you gotta do what you gotta do." – Chelsea Handler [37:14]
• "Maybe, Trump, you exist, because I wrote this death Mass and is premiering at the perfect time. So you're just the backdrop to my music." – Rufus Wainwright [13:38]

3. Katie’s Conflict: Cutting Off a Non-accepting Mother

Katie, 35, seeks guidance on whether to maintain no contact with her 70-year-old mother who disapproved of her interracial relationship. Chelsea and Rufus advise expressing her feelings through writing, considering the long-term emotional impact, and prioritizing her own healing and well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• "Write a letter expressing how that made you feel...send her an email with no expectations." – Chelsea Handler [50:11]
• "You have to forgive them at some point, you know, however you can." – Rufus Wainwright [53:08]

4. Casey’s Concern: Boyfriend Violating Privacy

Casey, 28, is distressed by her boyfriend reading her private journal and sharing its contents with others. Chelsea and Rufus unequivocally label this behavior as a significant red flag, stressing the importance of ending relationships where privacy is violated.

Notable Quotes:

• "No, that's an invasion of privacy. Like, that is a reason to actually end a relationship." – Chelsea Handler [61:00]
• "You gotta get far away from this person." – Rufus Wainwright [61:00]

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the episode nears its end, Rufus enthusiastically discusses the upcoming performance of "Dream Requiem" at Disney Hall, highlighting the technical rehearsals and the unique addition of the grand organ inspired by the venue. Chelsea humorously mentions her upcoming European tour, "Abroad," in search of love, adding a lighthearted close to the deeply emotional and insightful conversation.

Notable Quote:
"I'm coming to Reykjavik. I'm coming to Dublin. I'm coming to the UK. I'm coming to Brussels, Paris, Belfast in May and June." – Chelsea Handler [62:11]

Key Takeaways

• Artistic Resilience: Rufus Wainwright's journey underscores the interplay between personal struggles and creative output, highlighting the therapeutic power of music and composition.

• Support and Acceptance: The episode emphasizes the importance of unconditional support in personal relationships, especially when navigating sensitive topics like sexuality and gender identity.

• Setting Boundaries: Clear boundaries and respecting privacy are crucial in maintaining healthy relationships, as illustrated by the advice given to Casey.

• Forgiveness and Healing: The conversation with Katie serves as a poignant reminder of the long-term benefits of forgiveness and the necessity of emotional healing in overcoming familial conflicts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Nobody asks me what's going on with my house..." – Chelsea Handler [03:45]
• "He's an amazing singer, songwriter, composer, and legendary beauty." – Chelsea Handler [04:47]
• "As I fell in love with the poem, it's all about the end of the world..." – Rufus Wainwright [10:33]
• "Jane turned to me and she said, Rufus, I'm doing it." – Rufus Wainwright [12:28]
• "If you're in love and you know it and you feel it..." – Chelsea Handler [37:14]
• "Write a letter expressing how that made you feel..." – Chelsea Handler [50:11]
• "You gotta get far away from this person." – Rufus Wainwright [61:00]

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Dear Chelsea" beautifully balances humor, personal vulnerability, and profound artistic discussion. Chelsea's candid interactions with Rufus Wainwright provide listeners with both entertainment and valuable life advice, making it a memorable installment that resonates on multiple levels.

Note: For more detailed insights and full conversations, consider listening to the full episode available on iHeartPodcasts.