In the 1970s, music by sisters Kate and Anna McGarrigle crossed borders and found more success abroad than at home.
Kate McGarrigle, mother of Rufus and Martha Wainwright, passed away at the beginning of the year from a rare form of cancer. This prompted legendary folk singer Richard Thompson, 2010 director of the Meltdown Festival in London, to organize a special evening dedicated to her memory.
McGarrigle’s two children immediately accepted to participate in the event scheduled during the Meltdown Festival. They sang together last Saturday night (June 12) and paid tribute to their beloved mother.
She was an incredibly important part of their lives and would often join her children on stage to sing and play the piano.
Rufus and Martha sang Kiss and Say Goodbye and I Eat Dinner. Martha also performed a few songs with her aunt, Anna McGarrigle. They sang I Am a Diamond and Heart Like a Wheel.
During the show, Rufus Wainwright shared with the crowd: "It’s very difficult, on the one hand; but extremely uplifting on another – so let’s continue the ride."
A video of Kate McGarrigle was shown to the audience which was a poignant moment for the singer’s two children and sister.