Naomi Berrill
Naomi Berrill, the internationally acclaimed cellist, composer, and singer from County Galway, now based in Florence Italy, is thrilled to announce her Spring 2024 tour across Ireland. The tour celebrates the release of her latest album, Inish, a deeply evocative collection inspired by the islands of Inishark and Inishbofin off Ireland’s west coast. Alongside the tour announcement, Naomi has released a captivating video for her song "Best Alone", offering an intimate glimpse into the haunting beauty and stories behind her music.
The song "Best Alone" reflects on the last 23 inhabitants of Inishark, who were evacuated in October 1960 after years of isolation and hardship. Berrill’s lyrics and melodies embody the island itself, personified as a wistful figure both at peace in its solitude and yearning for the echoes of its lively past. Samples of traditional Irish folk music, including Andrew Murry’s rendition of The Sally Gardens, are woven into the composition, grounding it in Ireland’s rich cultural history.
The accompanying video, shot by Buúlabosca Films, features aerial views of the desolate yet breathtaking Inishark, where nature has reclaimed the land. The video captures the essence of the island’s beauty and melancholy, mirroring the song’s emotion. It was filmed during Naomi’s brief yet profound visit to Inishark, where she and producer Lorenzo Pellegrini recorded soundscapes for the album, incorporating seascapes, birdsong, and the voices of local islanders.
"Inish is my ode to the islands of Inishark and Inishbofin," Naomi explains. "It tells the stories of the people who lived there—their courage, their struggles, and their deep connection to the land and sea. Through this music, I hope to bring these stories to life, sharing the beauty and extremes of island existence with audiences."
Naomi will be joined on tour by Italian multi-instrumentalists Lorenzo Pellegrini and Andrea Beninati. Together, the trio’s performances will blend folk, classical, and jazz influences, creating a contemporary sound that’s both ethereal and powerful.
"I am so excited to return to Ireland and present this project in its entirety," Naomi adds. "Performing with Lorenzo and Andrea brings a new vitality to my music, and I hope audiences across Ireland will feel the magic we’ve worked to create."
The Inish Ireland tour follows the successful release of the album in Italy through Casa Musicale Sonzogno in October 2023. Inish was featured on RTÉ Radio 1's recommended listening list and includes standout tracks such as "Sea Warrior," a tribute to Grace O’Malley, and "Best Alone."
Inish is Naomi Berrill’s fourth album and represents the start of her collaboration with Pellegrini and Beninati. Together, they have created a bold and innovative sound palette, blending Naomi’s experimental cello techniques with vibrant production.
Watch the video for 'Best Alone'
TOUR DATES
March 13th - Linenhall Arts Centre - Castlebar, Co. Mayo
March 14th - Levis Corner House - Ballydehob, Co. Cork
March 15th - Roisin Dubh - Galway
March 16th - Whale Theatre - Greystones, Co. Wicklow
March 18th - Record Room - Limerick
March 19th - Campbell's Tavern - Co.Galway
March 20th - Queens University - Belfast
Tickets available here - https://linktr.ee/naomiberrillcello
From the Morning - Nick Drake
One of my favorite of Nick’s songs, essentially simple harmonically and with a beautiful message in the lyrics (I have arranged this song for voice and cello on my first album)
I’m going back home - Nina Simone
Nina and her music are a great inspiration to me, but this song really encompasses the feeling of joy when returning home!
A new ground - Henry Purcell (Giovanna Pessi)
This baroque melody I first heard on a CD called ‘ If Grief Could Wait’ a creative project juxtaposing the baroque music of Purcell with innovative arrangements of songs by Leonard Cohen (I have also arranged this for voice and cello on my first album)
The Planets - Gustav Holst
One of the orchestral works I most enjoyed playing during my Classical studies.
Etude - Mike Oldfield
My earliest musical memory. When I was a child, my Dad used to play this vinyl on his record player.
Familiarity - Punch Brothers
A song from one of the amazing projects by Chris Thile.. and with amazing multitasking musicians.. (the drummer is also the Violinist!)
In pursuit of Happiness - The Divine Comedy
One of my favorite Irish artists (from my childhood days).... and a song with a great rhythmical drive
Violoncelles, Vibrez! - Giovanni Sollima
A powerful piece for two cellos and string orchestra by Sicilian cellist, composer and friend, Giovanni
Illa Sera - Daniela Pes
A unique singer-songwriter from Sardegna I listen a lot to these days
Poses - Rufus Wainwright
The first version of this song I heard was a jazz interpretation by Trumpeter Dave Douglas. I then started listening a lot to the music of Rufus, and for me his voice and songs are something special