Loreena McKennitt performs The Stolen Child following her induction to the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, March 8, The Opera House, Toronto (Photo: Mark McCauley)
Loreena inducted into Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame
In recognition of nearly four decades as a distinctive performing artist, Loreena was the first 2023 inductee into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF). The presentation took place at the Opera House in Toronto, Wednesday March 8th – International Women’s Day. A highlight of the evening was Loreena’s performance of The Stolen Child, accompanied by Brian Hughes on guitar and Hugh Marsh on violin.
“I am deeply honoured to be receiving this recognition,” says Loreena. “For 25 years this organization has shown a deep devotion to celebrating and promoting Canadian songwriters and this country’s rich, musical legacy. We have all been enriched by their work. I feel so privileged to have my name added to their list of distinguished Canadian songwriters.”
The induction was dovetailed with the inaugural Women in Music Canada Honours event, which celebrates and supports female Canadian innovators and creators who have had outstanding success in their field.
Loreena was eloquently introduced by JUNO nominated fiddler & singer and Artistic Director of the Muskoka Music Festival, Miranda Mulholland.
JUNO nominated fiddler, singer and Artistic Director of the Muskoka Music Festival, Miranda Mulholland inducting Loreena into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (Photo: Mark McCauley)
“Loreena is a musical enigma whose songs are seamlessly timeless yet current; rooted in tradition yet inventive. She is a storyteller who can weave through eras, cultures, and transcend boundaries,” says Stan Meissner, Board Chairman of CSHF. “Loreena has achieved global success on her own terms and has remained steadfast as an independent recording artist, which is both admirable and deserving of recognition.”
Left to right: Brittany Ralph (CSHF Events & Program Coordinator), Stan Meissner (CSHF Chairman), Loreena McKennitt, Cheryl Link (Sr. Creative Dir. peermusic Canada and CSHF Board Member) and Nick Fedor (CSHF Director). (Photo: Mark McCauley)
The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, a national, non-profit organization, honours and celebrates Canadian songwriters and those who’ve dedicated their lives to the legacy of music, and works to educate the public about these achievements. After the March 8th event, a permanent exhibit will be dedicated to Loreena at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at the National Music Centre in Calgary.
Previous inductees include Leonard Cohen, Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Bruce Cockburn, David Foster and Gordon Lightfoot – among many other distinguished Canadian artists.
media coverage
CBC Music: Loreena McKennitt: Canada’s unexpected godmother of DIY music
FYI Music News: Loreena McKennitt To Enter The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame
The Winnipeg Free Press: McKennitt shocked, honoured at award
SOCAN Magazine: Loreena McKennitt to be inducted into Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame