Stratford singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt will perform alongside a number of local artists in her first live concerts in over two years, A Midwinter Night’s Music, on the 17th, 18th and 19th December.
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Although she hasn’t performed live in over two years, Stratford singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt hasn’t stopped busy.
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From getting to know local friends and neighbors and planting trees on her farm in South Stratford to leading local environmental activism and hosting events at the Falstaff Family Center, McKennitt said she spent her time away from the fast-paced music industry reconnecting with its home and community.
She is yet to embark on another world tour, but McKennitt returns more leisurely 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 the 17th. , 18 and December 19.
“Looking back, when I decided to take a break, I didn’t expect a pandemic. I was really looking to reassess where I was going professionally and creatively, but also trying to get back into the community. “McKennitt said.
“One of the downsides of this career path is that you are a creature of the road, never live anywhere, and don’t know people. So there was that and I really felt (the need) back then, and even more now, to lean on really high profile topics like climate change.
So, to celebrate the winter season and share his talent – as well as other local comedians – with the community, McKennitt will perform next month with a number of guest artists, including Gemini-winning actor Cedric Smith. , who will read excerpts from Dylan Thomas A child’s Christmas in Wales , Stratford band The Bookends, local percussionist Graham Hargrove and Ojibway artist and flautist Jeffrey “Red” George, as well as British cellist Caroline Lavelle.
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In addition to some vacation-themed reads, the concert will include familiar favorites from her album, The dream of a winter night , as well as some lesser-known winter and Christmas carols from his album, To drive the cold winter A way.
“Since we are at home and not immune to the pandemic, I thought we could actually make this Christmas idea or this winter idea here in Stratford in a very easy way. . … 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 the traditions and festivals that have accompanied this season, so you get songs. like The Holly and the Ivy , where the symbolism of these is linked to the natural world. So through this connection to the natural world and the connection now with First Nations and Indigenous cultures, it will really give the public something to appreciate and reflect on, ”McKennitt said.
The capacity of Knox Church – a space that has inspired much of McKennitt’s past songwriting – will be capped at 50 percent, or 400 people, for each of the three concerts. Ticket holders will be required to show proof of dual vaccination and face masks must be worn at all times.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.amidwinternightsmusic.com . A portion 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
