Emily Magner Hurley, an accomplished Irish musician, a fervent advocate for stuttering awareness, and a dedicated secondary school teacher, is poised to release her album “Orainn” to champion the cause of Stuttering Awareness Mental Wellbeing Ireland (SAMWI).
“Orainn” is not just an album; it’s an artistic tapestry woven from original and traditional Irish folk songs. This collection of musical gems is meticulously crafted to create a spiritual and meditative ambiance, drawing from an eclectic mix of acapella, jazz fusion, and classical styles.
SAMWI, an organization committed to providing hope and support to those who live with a stutter, has been making waves, even reaching the Oval Office due to its exemplary work. Stuttering affects approximately 1% of the world’s population (source: National Stuttering Association), yet it remains a topic not often discussed. Emily Magner Hurley, fueled by a profound interest in mental health and wellbeing issues, has made it her mission to employ the power of music to uplift and heal.
Emily’s journey with SAMWI began in 2019 when the organization was established. From the very outset, her dedication mirrored the passion and care with which SAMWI approached its mission. Over the years, Emily has channeled her compositional talents to provide a musical backdrop for the messages of hope and support championed by SAMWI.
Having a strong affinity for issues surrounding mental health and wellbeing, Emily, in her capacity as a classroom teacher and in her previous role as the education officer at the Association of Irish Choirs (now Sing Ireland), has witnessed the transformative impact of music on individuals’ wellbeing.
“Orainn” (which translates to “Us”) is scheduled for release on October 16, 2023, and features a melodic collection of original and traditional Irish folk songs. These compositions, performed by Emily Magner Hurley, are an intricate blend of acapella, jazz fusion, and classical styles. The album’s sonic landscape is deliberately tailored to evoke a spiritual, mindful, and meditative atmosphere. Every piece within the album was crafted with utmost mindfulness to create uplifting and inspiring soundscapes in harmony with SAMWI’s messages of hope.
“A lot of the album is from a style of singing called Sean-Nós, meaning ‘old way,'” says Magner Hurley, “but I have given it my own particular twist.” Emily’s unique twist involved infusing layers of harmonies into each piece, crafting motifs inspired by the lyrics, and employing compositional and choral techniques reminiscent of jazz and classical music from the romantic era. The result is a refreshing and imaginative arrangement that pays homage to the spirit of each song while inviting new audiences to explore the depth and intensity of traditional Irish music.
Notably, one of the tracks in the album is dedicated to Deputy White House Chief of Staff Jen O’Malley-Dillon, a staunch supporter of SAMWI’s campaign. The campaign has garnered strong support in the United States, where President Joe Biden has thrived despite living with a stutter. SAMWI’s messages have not only reached the Oval Office but have also carried with them the soothing melodies of Emily’s music. “A Bhríd Óg Ní Mháille” is a song dedicated to an ‘O’Malley’ who left an indelible mark, and Jen O’Malley-Dillon is another such individual who has expressed kindness and appreciation for SAMWI’s commendable work.
Emily Magner Hurley, a coloratura soprano and a proud graduate of University College Cork with a master’s in composition, was trained by the world-renowned soprano Majella Cullagh. Each piece in this album, as well as in her debut album “Airs & Graces,” was composed on a 1970s Petrof Baby Grand piano gifted to her by her husband, a piano that has hosted renowned pianists like John O’Conor and Charles Lynch.
Emily’s 2020 debut album, “Airs & Graces,” received rave reviews from local media outlets in Cork, Lyric FM, and 96fm’s The Arts House. More significantly, it provided solace to fans during challenging times. With “Orainn” (Us), Emily aspires to continue this mission of offering an escape to those grappling with the tribulations of our turbulent era. Through her enchanting melodies, Emily Magner Hurley brings a harmonious elixir that resonates with the soul, touching hearts, and fostering mental wellbeing.
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