“Exquisite”  UNCUT MAGAZINE

“Music for the soul”  MAVERICK MAGAZINE

“A class act”  THE MIRROR

British singer-songwriter, Buddhist poet and mental health advocate Emily Maguire presents an uplifting and inspiring performance of acoustic songs and readings from her latest book of poetry ‘Meditation Mind’.

A multi-instrumentalist and composer with five albums and three books to her name, Emily is an acclaimed artist who has toured with American legend Don McLean, Eric Bibb and Dr Hook among others, performing at concert halls and theatres across the UK.  With a remarkable story to tell, she has been featured many times on BBC national radio, her thought-provoking lyrics, supremely expressive vocals and spellbinding live performances winning her fans across the globe.

Open about her struggles with bipolar disorder, Emily’s practice of Buddhism over the past 20 years has inspired songs that are both deeply spiritual and ‘bathed in raw emotional power’ (Guitarist Magazine).  With her constant aim to uplift, comfort and inspire her audience, she has performed gigs for many mental health groups and hospitals, work which recently earned her an international award for public service and advocacy.

In 2018 Emily published her latest book of poetry ‘Meditation Mind’, as featured on BBC Radio 4’s flagship arts programme ‘Front Row’.  With themes of spirituality and mental health, the book began life as a series of stream-of-consciousness poems written after Emily’s morning meditation practice at a time when she was recovering from a severe depressive episode.  Following the book’s publication, Emily toured UK bookshops and Buddhist centres across the UK, reading the poems and singing songs on acoustic guitar accompanied by her husband Christian Dunham on double bass.  Audiences were invited to a Q&A session at the end of each performance.  Please see some of the feedback below.

“Thank you for a lovely evening of wonderful poetry, music and discussion. Emily, thank you in particular for your generosity of time with some of the audience members after the actual gig.  It was a real pleasure to have you and we would love to welcome you back again in the future.”  (Hunting Raven Books, UK)

“Emily gave a magical and inspirational performance of her music and poetry in the perfect setting of the Sakya Buddhist Centre Bristol shrine room. She played to a sold out and rapt room and we hope to welcome her back soon.” (Bristol Sakya Buddhist Centre, UK)

“Emily came to perform an evening of music and poetry at our bookshop and it
was a really wonderful event. Emily spoke engagingly and sang so beautifully – she’s such a talented performer!” (Haslemere Bookshop, Surrey, UK)

“It was a very special occasion at the London Sakya Buddhist centre when we were able to invite Emily Maguire and listen to her poetry readings from her recently published book. For the practitioners it all rang true, especially Emily’s emotional connection with an authentic lineage master which was evidently real and profound. And for the others it was difficult not to notice how she engaged them, not least with the stories of her own emotional struggles, bringing to life what it is to practice the Buddhist path in a different way from the usual formal setting of the teachings, yet very much rooted in them.” (London Sakya Buddhist Centre, UK)

“Illuminating and inspiring… opening the eyes, ears and hearts of those who might be interested in considering a new perspective, taking different steps, moving away from sadness and taking hold of their own future by practicing morality, meditation and wisdom.” (Chapter One Books, Manchester, UK)

Read extracts from ‘Meditation Mind’.

If you would like Emily to perform her poetry and songs at your venue, please contact us.  The performance lasts for one hour and can be followed by a short Q&A with Emily.  For more information please contact us.

Buddhism, breakdowns and a shack in the Australian bush… read Emily’s full story.

Find out more about Emily’s award-winning work promoting music for mental health.