Loreena McKennitt to perform in first live concerts in over two years

Content of the article

Although she hasn’t performed live in over two years, Stratford singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt is always busy.

Content of the article

From reconnecting with local friends and neighbors, to planting trees on his farm south of Stratford, to leading local environmental activism and hosting events at the Falstaff Family Centre, McKennitt said ‘she had spent her time away from the fast-paced music industry, reconnecting with her home and her community.

She’s not yet embarking on another world tour, but McKennitt is making a quieter return to the stage with her upcoming concerts, A Midwinter Night’s Music: A Concert of Carols and Tales, at Knox Presbyterian Church in downtown Stratford on December 17 and 18. 19.

“In retrospect, when I decided to take a break, I didn’t expect a pandemic to happen. I was really looking to re-evaluate where I was going professionally and creatively, but also trying to re-enter the community. “, McKennitt said.

Content of the article

“One of the downsides to this career path is that you’re a creature of the road, you never live anywhere and you don’t know anyone. So there was that and I really felt (the need) then, and even more so now, to build on really important topics like climate change.

So, to celebrate the winter season and share his talent – and other local music – with the community, McKennitt will perform next month with a number of guest artists, including Gemini Award-winning actor Cedric Smith. , who will read passages from Dylan Thomas A Child’s Christmas in WalesStratford-based band The Bookends, local percussionist Graham Hargrove and Ojibway artist and flautist Jeffrey “Red” George, as well as British cellist Caroline Lavelle.

Content of the article

Along with some holiday-themed readings, the concert will include familiar favorites from his album, A Midsummer Night’s Dreamas well as some lesser known winter and Christmas carols from his album, To drive the cold winter A way.

“Given that we are at home and not immune to the pandemic, I thought we could actually do this Christmas idea or this winter idea here in Stratford in a way very simple. … And part of the inspiration for this concert was not just to connect directly to Christmas, but to really reflect on the natural world and the rhythm and traditions and festivals that have come with this season, so you get songs as TheHolly and the ivy, where the symbolism in these relates to the natural world. So through this connection with the natural world and the connection now with First Nations and Indigenous cultures, it will really give audiences something to appreciate and think about,” McKennitt said.

Content of the article

Capacity at Knox Church — a space that inspired much of McKennitt’s past songwriting — will be limited to 50%, or 400 people, for each of the three concerts. Ticket holders will be required to present proof of double vaccination and masks must be worn at all times.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.amidwinternightsmusic.com. Part of the proceeds from the concerts will help support Stratford-Perth Shelterlink.

The concerts also coincide with the opening of Lights On Stratford: Winter Festival of Lights, which runs from December 17 to January 28.

gsimmons@postmedia.com