There was a time – not so far away – when artists, when they released a new album, contained much more than just music, and became a work of a holistic nature. That classic phase when records were cultural products in which a story was told through songs and details that today seem almost banal, such as the presentation, the cover or the booklet, were taken care of. In a world dominated by immediacy, lightning success or streaming singles, a proposal like that of singer Loreena McKennitt even seems like an act of rebellion. A necessary breath of authentic airclass and quality music.
After three years of life, Iconic Fest Sevilla undoubtedly experienced one of its most special evenings, thanks to the unforgettable experience of the singer born in Canada but who carries the melodies of Irish and Scottish folklore in her blood. The voice that took Celtic and New Age music to the top of the charts in the nineties, magically merged with the Plaza de España to create a unique evening. McKennitt offered a round, transcendent concert in which both his voice and the instruments sounded with overwhelming clarity and depth.
Loreena (67 years old) is currently on tour in Spain to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of her most famous albums, 'The Mask and the Mirror'which appeared in 1994 and for which our country was a crucial source of inspiration, since it was composed after a journey through the skin of the bull, as she herself recalled at the beginning of the concert. An album that was central to this recital and on which you can even find an adaptation of the poem by San Juan de la Cruz 'Noche negra del alma' ('The dark night of the soul'), a song that sounded like glory in the Plaza de España enclosure.
With her spectacular voice and an innate ability to merge different musical styles and transport listeners to beautiful imaginary worlds, Loreena created what has been one of the most successful. more ambient and atmospheric concerts of all the editions of this festival committed to eclecticism. Loreena knows that her proposal must be enjoyed with all the senses and that is why she gave precise instructions to prohibit recording and taking photos with mobile phones during the concert. The singer alternated between piano, accordion and also harp, also accompanied by a beautiful band, in which the virtuosity of violinist Hugh Marsh stood out.
The Canadian artist exuded class and mastery, leading a band of high-quality musicians
The first set was characterized by the songs from 'The mask and mirror', where unmistakable titles such as 'The mystic's dream', 'The bonny swans' or the magnificent 'Marrakesh night market' could not be missed. The concert was continued with a second part in which Mckennitt performed songs from other albums, such as 'The Gates of Istanbul', 'Marco Polo' or the sung 'Dante's Prayer'. A beautiful recital, that has undoubtedly increased the musical quality of the festival which ended with what is undoubtedly one of his best-known songs, 'Tango to Evora'. A delight for the audience who put up the 'no tickets' sign on an evening they will never forget.