Renowned Galway-born cellist, composer, and singer Naomi Berrill is set to embark on an Irish tour to celebrate the release of her latest album, Inish.
Currently based in Florence, Italy, Berrill has gained international acclaim for her unique fusion of classical, folk, and jazz influences. The Inish tour will bring her evocative new work to audiences across Ireland, including a performance at Record Room, on Tuesday March 18.
The album Inish is inspired by the islands of Inishark and Inishbofin off Ireland’s west coast, with Berrill weaving their rich histories into her compositions.
One of the standout tracks, Best Alone, tells the story of the last 23 inhabitants of Inishark, who were evacuated in 1960 after years of hardship and isolation. The song personifies the island itself, reflecting both the solitude and the lost echoes of its once-thriving community. Traditional Irish folk music samples, including Andrew Murry’s The Sally Gardens, anchor the piece in Ireland’s cultural heritage.
Berrill has also released a visually stunning video for Best Alone, filmed by Buúlabosca Films. Featuring aerial footage of Inishark’s rugged, abandoned landscape, the video captures the haunting beauty of an island where nature has reclaimed the land.
“Inish is my ode to the islands of Inishark and Inishbofin,” Berrill explains. “It tells the stories of the people who lived there—their courage, struggles, and deep connection to the land and sea.
“Through this music, I hope to bring these stories to life and share the beauty and extremes of island existence with audiences.”
Joining Berrill on tour are Italian multi-instrumentalists Lorenzo Pellegrini and Andrea Beninati. Together, the trio crafts a rich, ethereal sound that blends classical precision with folk traditions and jazz improvisation.
Their live performances promise an immersive experience, showcasing the trio’s synergy and dynamic musicality.
The album, which was featured on RTÉ Radio 1’s recommended listening list, includes standout tracks such as Sea Warrior, a tribute to Irish pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Inish marks Berrill’s fourth album and the beginning of her collaboration with Pellegrini and Beninati, solidifying her reputation as a bold innovator in contemporary music.
