A magnificent musical suite, specially composed and arranged to mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of Muckross House to the public, has been released on CD to raise funds for a deserving local charity this Christmas.

The Muckross Suite features five fabulous tracks all of which are linked to specific moments in time or events that occurred in the landmark house, the building of which was completed in 1843.

All proceeds from the CD will go to the Kerry Cancer Support Group which operates the Healthlink Transport Service bringing patients, free of charge, to and from hospitals in Cork and Limerick for treatment.

The CD project was commissioned by the Trustees of Muckross House to mark the diamond anniversary of the opening of the landmark building to the people of Killarney and around the world in 1964.

The Muckross Suite was composed by JJ O’Shea with arrangements by Paul de Grae and Reidun Schlesinger.

Paul (piano and guitar) and Reidun (harp) are joined by musicians Barry Lynch (uilleann pipes and whistle) and Sean Abeyta (fiddle) and the five-track CD was recorded at Tony O’Flaherty’s Sonas Studios in Killarney.

Muckross House archivist and librarian Patricia O’Hare said the inspiration for the musical project was inspired by Muckross House itself, its furnishings, its location and its history.
“It was a real labour of love for all involved and it is wonderful to be in a position to support such a wonderful charity,” she said.

Composer and broadcaster JJ O’Shea said the melody goes through five different changes and it takes the listener on an epic journey through the history of Muckross House.

The Muckross Suite is on sale in the Muckross House Craft Centre for €9.99 and all proceeds will go to the Kerry Cancer Support Group

The five tracks in what is essentially a Muckross House Anthem are:

Mary Herbert’s Piano: A tranquil solo piece dedicated to the former Muckross House owner whose piano is still on show there.

Kitty in the Kitchen: A jig that celebrates the life and times of the Muckross House staff who worked downstairs.

View from the Library Window: A harp-based track featuring a spectacular view from Muckross House which inspired Mary Herbert who was an accomplished water colourist. Her art demonstrates her great love and affection for Killarney’s landscape.

An American in Killarney: A lively jazz number dedicated to American entrepreneur William Bowers Bourn who purchased Muckross House for his daughter Maud.

Open Doors: A lively, upbeat 1960’s style rhythm marking the opening of Muckross House to the public in 1964.