Wainwright: 'We should be more elitist'

Rufus Wainwright has argued that people should be more elitist in their outlook.

The singer-songwriter recently penned opera Prima Donna but was unconcerned with the question about whether the artform deserved its elitist reputation.

Wainwright told The Guardian: "I think we could all be a bit more elitist. There was a time when society offered a standard that you could always depend on - but the mad rush for commerce has decimated that.

"It's up to the individual to say, 'I want to read the better books, I want to listen to the finer music'."

When asked if his sexuality matters in the music industry, he added: "There's prejudice everywhere. I don't think the music industry is as bad as the movie industry.

"But I have taken a few hits over the years for my sexuality, and for being honest about my life. In the end, it's the music that rules the roost."

Prima Donna premiered at the Palace Theatre as part of last year's Manchester International Festival.