Press
A selection of articles to view here followed by testimonials from performances and compositions
NATS Art Song Competition Announcement
Review of Art Song - Improvisation Performance: Riddle Fence
"The Great Irish Poets Songbook is a group of compelling original music compositions which creates a new dimension in which to experience some of the great texts of the poets of our history. The compositions by James Hurley, and the execution together with singer Dean Power had a lasting effect on the enthralled and enthusiastic audience" - Darina Gallagher, Director, James Joyce Center
“It’s a rare thrill to have your words set to music by a composer as talented as James, and to see the resulting songs performed so beautifully in front of a live audience. A richly collaborative experience.” -Michael Crummey, author and poet, winner of 2025 Dublin Literary award
"Hurley's original music was captivating, skillfully crafted with complex harmonies and played with élan ... substantial ... refreshing"
-Cathy Desmond, Waterford
"...Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard. Timely and yet timeless" -Tom Gordon, Professor Emeritus Memorial University
"...impressive ... both varied and powerful in character." -Ryan Molloy, Pianist & Composer, Professor Maynooth University Dublin
"... a rich, emotional, unique embodied experience" -Kyla Bruff, Professor of Philosophy at Carleton University
"..captivating" -Luke Quinton, Riddle Fence
"As someone who loves words, I find it exciting to witness James bring dimension to them with his inventive compositions. He has a finely tuned ability to interpret text through music. I’m so grateful for our collaborations to date and look forward to many more. He is a generous and gifted collaborator." -Duncan Major, prize winning artist and poet
"Kraftvolle, genre-verbindene Musik ist entstanden, in der die Seele Irlands auf moderne und traditionsbewahrende Art zu finden ist"
-Ulrich Habersetzer, BR
- English Translation -
“Powerful, genre-bridging music has emerged in which the soul of Ireland can be found in a way that is both modern and true to tradition.”
James Hurley – Piano Solo (Quiet music in Open Spaces)
(Article originally in German by Ulrich Habersetzer, BR)