Never Forget How to Love

Loreena McKennitt on music, passion and giving back

Canadian singer/composer Loreena McKennitt, who performs at Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre Sept. 30, is best known for her soaring and melodious Celtic music. The self-made musician has sold more than 13 million records worldwide.

Despite international success and personal adversity (her partner, Ronald Rees, died in 1998), McKennitt remains an active member of her community of Stratford, Ont. Here, she describes what makes her tick.

My starting point is the belief that, in one way or another, we are all an extension of each other’s history. Wanting to learn about our neighbours is also a desire to learn about ourselves. I have simply chosen the Celtic vehicle in which to do this.

Beyond music, I have a free-ranging curiosity about many things and a pretty hefty filing cabinet to prove it! My drawers are full of clippings on subjects ranging from childhood development to environmental issues, agriculture, politics, food and nutrition, puppets, religion, and many world issues.

I think it’s important to give to and be part of our greater communities. In 1998, I started the Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety, when three people very dear to me—Ronald Rees, Richard Rees, and Gregory Cook—perished in a boating incident not far from where I live. Another project close to my heart has been the establishment of the Falstaff Family Centre, a redundant schoolhouse in Stratford which is now a centre for community and children’s activities.

Certain principles have become my compass points. I reference them whenever I make important choices and decisions. They are things to which I strive and I 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.

Be empathetic.

Look after the less fortunate in society.

Respect one’s elders and look to what they have to teach you.

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 who have done the
same and you are reaping what they sowed.

Participate in and protect democracy. It does not thrive as a spectator sport.