It’s no surprise that many women related to Rita’s struggles and supported her so strongly as she embarked on her musical journey. Some of Rita’s determination may have grown from her grassroots work with the burgeoning feminist movement in Toronto in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Rita’s determination may have been a surprise to those who didn’t know her so well, but not to those who knew her better. It was evident, Macmillan noted, when Rita received a standing ovation for the song after the introduction and before she even sang a note of the song for her audience.Īlthough she was sometimes shy and nervous on stage, Rita knew what she wanted musically and she was not easily swayed in her opinion or direction. It wasn’t long though before he realized that he gave the wrong answer because Rita gave an incredible introduction to the song – one that demonstrated the depth of meaning the song held for her and her fans. Scott responded, noting that Rita had many good songs and new original songs in her catalogue, a testament to how prolific she was. Lucy MacNeil did an amazing job vocally interpreting Rita’s songs.Ĭonductor Scott Macmillan shared a tale from back in 1986 of Rita asking him if she should perform her signature song, Working Man, during every show. Songs from the program included: Part of the Mystery, My Island Too, Home I’ll Be, Working Man, and Flying on Your Own. Starring Lucy MacNeil (of The Barra MacNeils as Rita) and led and conducted by Rita’s frequent collaborator, Scott Macmillan (acoustic and electric guitar), the show thrilled many with its presentation of some of Rita’s finest material from her extensive catalogue of songs. The Fusion Sessions: Flying on Your Own: A Tribute to Rita MacNeil originally premiered on Thursday, November 4th, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. This isn’t the first time the Symphony has paid tribute to Rita – it did so with multiple sold-out concerts in 20.
Last week, however, Symphony Nova Scotia produced and staged a great tribute to Rita both in concert in Halifax and online. That’s something to consider as we age and as we lose those who meant so much to us.Ĭape Breton Island and musical fans worldwide lost one of our greatest songwriters and performers when Rita MacNeil passed away in 2013. How do we remember our legendary cultural figures once they’re gone? “Rita would be overcome with joy to hear what a wonderful job Lucy, Scott, and the Symphony did with her songs!!!” – A fan’s comment online. The late Cape Breton singer and songwriter, Rita MacNeil, was remembered this past week in a tribute concert by Symphony Nova Scotia.
0 kommentar(er)
