by Bill Murray’s singing has been a not-so secret comedic weapon for decades.
But not until now has Murray actually put out an album and launched a tour to support it. Would you believe that album is full of classical music? And the tour will also include readings from classic literature? I did tell you it’s Bill Murray, right?!
The album is called New Worlds, and features cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang, and pianist Vanessa Perez. Musical selections from Bach, Ravel, Piazzolla, and contemporaries such as Stephen Foster, George Gershwin, Henry Mancini and three songs from West Side Story. With readings from Walt Whitman, Ernest Hemingway, James Fenimore Cooper, James Thurber and Mark Twain.
They debuted as a live act this week in Germany at the Dresden Music Festival.
Murray wore a tuxedo and also threw out roses to the audience, just so you knew he’s staying on brand.
As for tour dates? Here’s what the cellist Vogler has posted so far:
New Worlds Ensemble Tour
- July 5: Elmau, Germany
- July 20: Yountville, Calif. (Festival Napa Valley)
- Oct. 7: Palm Desert, Calif. (McCallum Theatre)
- Oct. 10: Chicago (Symphony Center)
- Oct. 13: Toronto (Koerner Hall)
- Oct. 16: New York City (Carnegie Hall)
Other dates in North America are planned.
