Music

Everything you need to know about Loreena McKennitt’s spring 2017 tour

The great Celtic folk artist is bringing her intimate Trio Performance to London and 19 cities in Central Europe beginning this March. 

If you haven’t heard of Loreena McKennit, you’re in the minority. She has one of the most hauntingly beautiful voices around.

Hailing from a small town in Manitoba, McKennit began her music career in the early ’80s by busking on the streets of downtown Toronto. She earned enough money from singing and playing harp to record her first album, Elemental, in 1985. Now with seven studio releases, three concert DVDs, two seasonal recordings and several compilations to her credit, she’s sold over 14 million albums and become Canada’s most celebrated independent musician.

McKennitt’s sound defies categorisation. Born to Irish/Scottish parents, she’s been on a continual search for the history of the Celts. Exploring places like Ireland, China, Mongolia and Turkey has provided inspiration for her ethereal combination of pop, folk and world music that often showcases storytelling.

Although McKennit traditionally performs with her band in large concert halls, A Trio Performance is an entirely different experience. Joined by two of her long-time musical collaborators, guitarist Brian Hughes and cellist Caroline Lavelle, she’s reconnecting with audiences in smaller venues. Following critical acclaim in the US and Canada earlier this year, McKennitt is thrilled to bring her tour across the pond in 2017 with the first concert kicking off on 13 March at the London Palladium.

“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,” said McKennitt. “We’ve always enjoyed performing abroad, particularly in the spring.”

McKennitt’s recordings have achieved gold, platinum and multi-platinum status in 15 countries on four continents. In addition, she’s written film and television scores, been nominated twice for a Grammy Award, won two Juno Awards and collected a Billboard International Achievement Award.

And if you’re not yet convinced that you must go see her, check out this trailer about The Best of Loreena McKennitt – The Journey So Far, a commemorative recording celebrating her 30 years as a recording artist.

Loreena McKennitt - The Journey So Far

A Trio Performance will whisk you away to faraway lands. Interlaced with personal stories and even poetry, it’s guaranteed to be a surreal, atmospheric evening you’ll never forget!

Tickets for Loreena McKennitt’s London Palladium appearance on 13 March 2017 go on sale at 09:00 on Friday 30 September 2016 at Ticketmaster.