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Loreena McKennitt

Ranked #7,153 in Music, #195,896 overall | Donates to Room to Read

A musical traveler.

Loreena has been following the Celts in their many, many wanderings for years. She began with Ireland and its rich heritage, but moved on much, much further. She found out about Galicia, in Spain, where the Celts also dwelt long ago. In Spain you find the traces of the mauresque culture, and so she followed that path as well and traveled to Morocco. But she went to many other places and has 'tasted' them in her unique way.

Her music is like a travel log as she puts it herself. I enjoy traveling along with her, through her music. It is interesting to note that Loreena started running her own business from her kitchen table, and still is to this day quite a businesswoman! Music can really take you to the most unexpected places...

2012: Celtic Footprints Tour, scroll down for more info!

(For more about Loreena's personality, scroll down to "Loreena shares some of her thought")

Loreena releases her first "unplugged" album : Troubadours on the Rhine.

A trio performance, and a unique recording!

Loreena was joined by her long time collaborating musicians Brian Hughes (who plays anything related to the guitar) and Caroline Lavelle, the lovely cello player. They performed an hour long concert for a German radio, as part of the promotion for the release of "The Wind that Sakes the Barley". Three songs are from the latest opus, the others are older favorites.

Here's the tracklist:
Bonny Portmore
Down By The Sally Gardens
The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Between The Shadows
The Lady of Shalott
The Stolen Child
Penelope's Song
The Bonny Swans
The Parting Glass

Loreena goes back on tour in the Spring of 2012!

Germany, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, England...

Loreena will be going on a "Celtic Footprints Tour" throughout Europe.
February update:
Hurry, tickets are selling fast and several concerts are already sold out!!
Quinlan Road - Performances
The 41-day, 11-country European tour will take Loreena back to some of her favourite countries, audiences and venues, while introducing a few new destinations along the way.

Loreena online.

It may be of interest to some that all albums are available in MP3 and high quality FLAC formats from the Quinlan Road official site.
Quinlan Road, Loreena's official site!
This is THE place on the web to check out if you love, or simply are curious about, Loreena McKennitt. There just seems to be everything there. Audio, video, personnal comments, news, goodies, downloads... Go now!!
And you have a choice of 14 different languages!
The Loreena McKennitt Journey
A good fan site -there aren't that many so far, sad...- with lots of interesting stuff if you would just take a moment to check it out thoroughly. For example, look all the way down the discography section and you'll find more than just the albums. Links to other sites, but some are just not being kept alive.

Loreena releases a new album.

The Wind that shakes the Barley

In a stirring and inspirational return to her roots, Loreena McKennitt has created a new album of traditional Celtic songs, recorded this summer in the historic 1832 Sharon Temple north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
"Every once and again there is a pull to return to one's own roots or beginnings, with the perspective of time and experience, to feel the familiar things you once loved and love still," says Loreena.
Consisting of nine songs, it was recorded with some of Loreena's long-time musical companions along with a cast of other accomplished musicians.

The album is offered as a CD, a download and on vinyl.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley, one click away!

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"A Midwinter Night's Dream"

Here is Loreena's personal musing on this album:
"The seasons have always held their mysteries and wonders, and we mere mortals have been fascinated by them and driven to understand our inter-relationship with the natural world, as we try to discover the spiritual and religious significance of it all. Over the centuries, music has become a conduit for that reflection as it strives to capture the interweave of our existence. This recording is one modest rendering of that fascination, a kind of discovery chest of musical merry making, inspired by some traditions I have encountered along the way. May the spirit of love, joy and renewal be yours. ~ LM

Perfect for the Season.

It comes in different shapes and colors too! Note: for more info on the DVD included in the special packages, scroll down for a vid.

Here's the track listing:
1. The Holly & The Ivy
2. Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle
3. The Seven Rejoices of Mary
4. Noel Nouvelet!
5. Good King Wenceslas - Loreena McKennitt, Neale, John Mason
6. Coventry Carol
7. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen [Abdelli Version]
8. Snow - Loreena McKennitt, McKennitt, Loreena
9. Breton Carol
10. Seeds of Love
11. Gloucestershire Wassail
12. Emmanuel
13. In the Bleak Midwinter - Loreena McKennitt, Holst, Gustav
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Loreena and fairyland.

This could be a great way to help the young girls in your life discover Loreena's angelic voice and hauntingly magical music. From the Quinlan Road site:
Loreena's song, which pays homage to the wonders of Pixie Hollow, is called "To The Fairies They Draw Near." She sings during two key segments of the film and producers describe the song as "an enchanting aural illustration infused with old world, Celtic overtones."

In turn, the filmmakers "were so taken with the singer-songwriter's passion and her ethereal, other-worldly voice, they asked her to supply the film's voice of narration."

Have fun with this!
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A Moveable Musical Feast.

A few minutes of Loreena's latest DVD.
powered by Youtube

Loreena's first albums.

From 1985 to 1989.

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Loreena shares some of her thoughts.

This is a small part of an article Loreena wrote to introduce herself on her official website.

"Certain principles have become my compass points. I reference them whenever I make important choices and decisions, professionally or personally. They are things to which I strive and am pleased to share some of them with you.

- Be compassionate and never forget how to love
- Think inclusively
- Reclaim noble values such as truth, honesty, honour, courage.
- Respect one's elders and look to what they have to teach you
- Be empathetic
- Look after the less fortunate in society.
- Promote and protect diversity
- Respect the gifts of the natural world.
- Set your goals high and take pride in what you do.
- Cherish and look after your body, and, as the ancient Greeks believed, your mind will serve you better
- Put back into the community as there have been those before you have done the same and you are reaping what they sowed.
- Participate in and protect democracy. It does not thrive as a spectator sport.
- Undertake due diligence in everything
- Seek balance and space, and solitude.
- Don't be afraid to feel passionate about something
- Learn to be an advocate and an ambassador for good
- Be mindful of your limitations.
- Indulge and nurture your curiosity as it will keep you vital
- Take charge of your life and don't fall into the pit of entitlement.
- Assume nothing and take nothing for granted
- Things are not necessarily what they seem"

Our Muse glides on through the 90's.

Loreena adds more grace, colors and wisdom to her art throughout her journey...

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Loreena casts her spell on the 21st century as well.

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A preview of the Nights from the Alhambra three discs set.

A 2min30s preview of the beautiful images and music of the splendid concert held in September 2006, now available in every store.
Windows Media Preview.
Windows Media Player link.
Quicktime Preview.
Quicktime link.

Nights from the Alhambra, Loreena in concert... in your living-room!

Oh my. It is just fabulous. The lights, the music, the setting, everything. We have a completely new version of 'She Moved Through the Fair' and 'Stolen Child' from her first album. And all of our favorites are there as well. You have great quality sound and images and amazing musicians. This is simply a jewel. And a great way to immerge yourself in Loreena's music.
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A great live performer, with top-quality musicians.

I hope many of you had the chance to catch Loreena on her Ancient Muse tour. If you did then you had the chance to appreciate her graceful presence and the great musicians that accompany her. Let's name a few:
Brian Hughes, a jazz guitarist who plays several kinds of guitars and medieval string instruments.
Caroline Lavelle, the beautiful blonde cello player.
Hugh Marsh, the bald and simply amazing violonist.
Rick Shadrach Lazar, percusionist with a contagious smile.
Sokratis Sinopoulos, a very talented musician on various string instruments, mostly traditional.
Haig Yazdjan, another great musician on traditional string instruments, born in Syria.

Personal websites of some of the musicians who play with Loreena.

Caroline Lavelle | Official Website
Caronline Lavelle is often noticed, she is pretty as well as talented! Did you know she sang on an album by the great composer Vangelis? Didn't I say I knew everything? Ok, just kidding... the album is 'Voices', released in 1996. Look it up sometime...
Hugh Marsh Official Site
Some musicians make us think the word 'genius' before we're aware of it.
Jazz Guitarist BrianHughes Official Website...
Brian Hughes has been working closely with Loreena for years. He's a top notch guitar player, among other things.
Samba Squad
Rick Shadrach Lazar formed his own band. "In just four years SAMBA SQUAD has risen from a community based drumming school into one of the most dynamic and sought after acts on the Canadian world and Latin music scenes."

Please share with me what makes you love Loreena's music!

  • FoxMusic Jan 9, 2011 @ 2:44 pm | delete
    Thank you for this Great Lens on the Celtic Artist Loreena McKennitt
  • sheilamarie Nov 17, 2010 @ 12:24 am | delete
    She's a wonderful musician! Nice lens!
  • M_S_Beltran Apr 6, 2010 @ 3:02 am | delete
    I love her music, I love her incorporation of spirituality, mythology, art, poetry, different cultures-- past meets present. When I put on LM it is very surreal and relaxing, as if I am transcending this mundane plane and am lifted to somewhere higher, where i have a better perspective. I almost got to see her in concert once but there was a mix-up mishap, that was almost 15 years ago and I am still very bummed I missed it! Beautiful lens!
  • MAJArch Feb 19, 2009 @ 12:18 pm | delete
    I have been a fan of Loreena's for over 15 years, hearing her "Mask and Mirror" on college radio while working late in the studio. I had the pleasure of meeting her near her bus after her concert in Columbus, Ohio 2 years ago the night before my birthday! She was extremely nice and willing gave her private time to her fans.

    I love her extraordinary music! Thanks for this lens.

    Melissa
  • MobyD Aug 20, 2008 @ 8:27 pm | delete
    I found out about Loreena McKennitt around the time "The Visit" came out. Someone on an Enya forum said if I liked Enya, I'd probably like Loreena, and he was right! I look forward to each new release.
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Enya's music seems to run and flow with my thoughts and dreams (see my other lens on Enya). Loreena does the same sometimes, but other times she ... more »

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