Irish composer-performer and advocate for stuttering awareness and mental wellbeing, Emily Magner Hurley, is set to release her highly anticipated album, “Orainn (Us)”, on October 23rd. The album is a collection of original and traditional Irish folk songs, featuring Magner Hurley’s unique blend of acapella, jazz fusion, and classical styles. As a classroom teacher and former education officer at the Association of Irish Choirs (now Sing Ireland), Magner Hurley has seen firsthand the positive impact music can have on mental health and wellbeing.
This passion has led her to be a part of Stuttering Awareness Mental Wellbeing Ireland (SAMWI), an organization that aims to bring hope and support to those living with a stutter. Through her musical talents, Magner Hurley has provided a musical backdrop for SAMWI’s messages of hope and support. The album, “Orainn (Us)”, is a testament to Magner Hurley’s commitment to spreading positivity and hope through music.
Each song is carefully crafted, with layers of harmonies and motifs inspired by traditional Irish folk songs. Magner Hurley’s unique twist on the “old way” of singing, known as Sean-Nós, breathes new life into these classic tunes. One of the standout tracks on the album is dedicated to deputy White House Chief of Staff Jen O’Malley-Dillon, an ardent supporter of SAMWI. Their campaign has gained traction in the United States, where President Joe Biden has excelled despite living with a stutter. SAMWI’s messages, and by extension, Magner Hurley’s music, have reached the Oval Office, serving as a source of inspiration and comfort to those living with a stutter. Magner Hurley, a coloratura soprano and graduate of University College Cork, showcases her incredible vocal range and musicality on “Orainn (Us)”.
Each piece is composed on a 1970s Petrof Baby Grand piano, gifted to her by her husband, showcasing its rich history as it has hosted renowned pianists John O’Conor and Charles Lynch in the past. Magner Hurley’s previous album, “Airs & Graces”, was released in 2020 and received glowing reviews from local media outlets in her native Cork, as well as recognition from Lyric FM and 96fm’s The Arts House. With “Orainn (Us)”, she hopes to continue spreading her messages of positivity and hope to an even wider audience, providing a source of escape from the turbulent times we live in. In a world where mental health and wellbeing are of utmost importance, artists like Emily Magner Hurley and organizations like SAMWI play a crucial role in promoting positivity and support. “Orainn (Us)” is sure to be a musical journey that uplifts and inspires listeners, making it a must-have addition to any music collection. Be sure to mark your calendars for October 23rd and experience the magic of Emily Magner Hurley’s “Orainn (Us)”.
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