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SUMMERSIDE- Internationally renowned Celtic performer and recording artist Loreena McKennitt has pledged her support to The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada, based in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
College Director, Scott MacAulay was recently notified that Ms. McKennitt will be entering into a three year partnership with The College of Piping through her personal foundation...The Three Oaks Foundation. The College will be receiving a substantial financial contribution for three consecutive years.
“Loreena McKennitt is an icon in the field of Celtic music. She also is well respected as an extremely astute businesswoman. Loreena's decision to invest in our College would not have been executed without the appropriate due diligence. In view of this, we are particularly pleased and very honoured to announce our partnership with her,” says MacAulay.
The notification MacAulay received from Ms. McKennitt's foundation in part reads as follows:
“On behalf of Loreena, I am pleased to notify you that The Three Oaks Foundation has considered your proposal and is delighted to engage in a three year partnership with The College of Piping. Loreena and the Foundation committee were very interested to learn of the College's unique programming, its involvement with local communities, and its international appeal. We are pleased to be affiliated with The College of Piping in Summerside.”
The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada has been actively promoting and preserving Celtic culture and heritage by offering instruction in traditional Celtic disciplines including Highland Bagpiping, Highland Dancing, Highland Snare Drumming and Step Dancing. The College is the only year round institution of it’s kind in North America and is affiliated with the College of Piping in Glasgow, Scotland.
In addition to the type of cultural support she is providing to The College of Piping, Ms. McKennitt is an active member of her community in Stratford, Ontario. She has also founded and oversees important charitable undertakings in the fields of water safety and family/childhood support services.
As a recording artist, she has sold nearly 13 million albums worldwide to date, over a catalogue spanning six studio albums and one double live CD. Canadian sales awards include one five times platinum certification for sales of over 500,000 copies (The Visit), two four times platinum certifications for sales of over 400,000 copies (The Mask And Mirror, The Book Of Secrets), and four gold certifications for sales of over 50,000 copies (Elemental, To Drive The Cold Winter Away, Parallel Dreams, A Winter Garden: Five Songs For The Season).
U.S. sales awards include one double platinum certification for sales of over two million copies for The Book Of Secrets, as well as two platinum certifications for sales of over one million copies (The Mask And Mirror, The Visit).
Abroad, Ms. McKennitt has garnered gold, platinum and multi platinum sales awards in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
“With a track record such as this, it is clear Ms. McKennitt has a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience and success,” Mr. MacAulay said. “Again, that is what makes her support so special and so gratifying from The College's perspective. This is a person who is a legend in the area of Celtic culture, so her recognition means a great deal.”
The College of Piping's mission statement reads:
“...inspiring excellence in Celtic performing arts through quality educational programming...”
“Day in and day out, that is our mission and one we continually strive to accomplish. With the continued support of individuals such as Loreena McKennitt, I am confident we will continue to reach our goals. ”
For more information, contact:
Scott MacAulay
Director
The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada
1 902 436 5377
Loreena McKennitt
c/o Jessica Johnston
1 519 273 3876
www.quinlanroad.com
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