After three highly-successful runs in Canada and the U.S., Loreena McKennitt is taking her trio performance to 20 cities in central Europe this March, marking her first concerts there since 2012.
The critically-acclaimed performances feature music and stories inspired by McKennitt’s exotic travels in pursuit of the history of the Celts – from China and Mongolia to central Turkey and Ireland. It is enriched with the interlacing of mystical Irish poems by Yeats and such classical writers as Shakespeare and Tennyson and includes material from her 2012 Grammy-nominated recording Troubadours on the Rhine, recorded in Mainz, Germany in 2011.
Joining her are two of her long-time musical collaborators, guitarist Brian Hughes and cellist Caroline Lavelle.
Traditionally performing with her band in large concert halls around the world, Loreena’s latest tour takes a more intimate approach and is entwined with personal and inspiring stories that directly connect with the audience.
Tickets go on sale Sept. 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. (Local Time GMT/CEST).
“It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since we last performed in Europe – and for us that feels like a long time,” says McKennitt. “We’ve always enjoyed performing abroad, particularly in the spring. I’m personally looking forward to sharing this trio performance and in particular its inherent intimacy. And of course it’s always a pleasure meeting new people and reconnecting with those we’ve met during previous tours.”
McKennitt’s eclectic Celtic blend of pop, folk and world music has sold over 14 million albums worldwide. Her recordings have achieved Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum status in 15 countries on four continents. She has twice been nominated for a Grammy Award and has won two Juno Awards, as well as a Billboard International Achievement Award.
She has performed in some of the world’s most-respected and historic concert venues, from Carnegie Hall to the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain and for dignitaries including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and numerous heads of state.
In addition to her musical career, McKennitt has been recognized for a number of noteworthy philanthropic initiatives, including:
- The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety
- Falstaff Family Centre
- Honorary Colonel of the Royal Canadian Air Force
In 2004, McKennitt was awarded the Order of Canada and in 2013 was appointed Knight of the National Order of Arts and Letters of the Republic of France.