The Hush Music Foundation is an extraordinary collaboration between Dr Catherine Crock of the Royal Children’s Hopsital and many of Australia’s leading musicians. A physician and mother working with children with cancer, Dr Crock teamed up with musicians of different backgrounds and styles to create music that was soothing and relaxing for the children and their families. Since its inception in 2003 and through the generosity of performers, composers and engineers donating their time and skills, the Hush Music Foundation has released thirteen popular albums of jazz and classical instrumental music that are available in hospitals throughout Australia and for sale nationally and online.  The CDs are also donated to Australian and international hospitals and clinics, so that they can use the music to improve the environment for their  patients and healthcare professionals.

The latest release in the Hush Collection (December 2013) titled "The Magic Island" was the most ambitious project Hush has ever undertaken and features new works by twelve eminent Australia composers, including Iain Grandage, who wrote his piece 'Suspended' especially for Hush and this album. As with all the composers involved, Iain visited Dr Crock at the RCH where he talked to families and staff. He then decided on his own approach to writing music specifically to enhance the hospital environment for patients, families and staff. The music was recorded in Hobart over two periods last year and the concert launch by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra took place on December 7th, broadcast live by ABC Classic FM. 

Suspended, by Iain Grandage 

"Suspended  began its life as a movement from the score for the Expressions Dance Company work When Time Stops and at its heart, it tells a simple story. A child (represented by the clarinet) moves from the care of its family (the strings) to a team of doctors (the brass) led by Cath Crock (the trumpet) and back again into the arms of its family. The suspended of the title has two intended resonances - one musical, in reference to the work's initial, recurring chord, and secondly as an allusion to the stretched nature of time experienced in moments of duress. It is dedicated with love to Cath Crock, her team, and all whom they treat."