Naomi Berill is a cellist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer, originally from Co. Galway, currently based in Florence, Italy. After completing her musical studies in Scotland, Italy and Switzerland, she began composing new material: arranging works from different musical genres and experimenting with cello technique, giving it focus as an accompanying instrument to the voice.

Inish, her latest album, was released on 6 October 2023 by Casa Musicale Sonzogno, Milan, and following a successful launch in Italy, Naomi and her trio will tour Ireland in Spring 2024, including a concert here at Triskel in February 2024.

In this album, Naomi’s experimental approach to cello technique continues to break boundaries between musical genres. ‘Sea Warrior’, the main single, is dedicated to the Irish pirate queen Grace O’Malley, an iconic figure of feminine strength, courage and self-belief. The award-winning video for this track was filmed in Italy by Galwegian film-maker Bulabosca, and features many women who are part of Naomi’s daily life, and who represent female ‘Warriors’ of today’s world.

Inish reflects life on two Islands off the west coast of Ireland: Inishark and Inishbofin. The songs in the album recount the beauty of these islands and the strength and courage of the inhabitants, but also the harsh existence of the fishing communities there. The music expresses these extremes of island life: courage, adventure, love and light, interwoven with loneliness, danger, loss and pain.

This album, Naomi’s fourth, marks the beginning of her collaboration with producer, guitarist and vocalist Lorenzo Pellegrini, and drummer and cellist Andrea Beninati. Working as a trio is a new performing experience for Naomi, and it generates something contemporary and exciting; a fresh combination of folk, classical and jazz where her graceful and ethereal vocals, together with the accompanying colours of  multi-instrumentalists Lorenzo and Andrea, create music both evocative and powerful.

Inish was in the RTÉ Radio 1 recommended listening section on its week of release.

Naomi has performed her original music and arrangements with prominent cellists Giovanni Sollima and Mario Brunello, and her solo and ensemble performances feature in both the classical and jazz world. In Music for Galway’s Cellissimo Festival 2020, she premiered Bill Whelan’s ‘Fragments’, a solo work for cello and voice. She has collaborated with dance companies such as New York City Ballet and the directing choreographer of Venice Biennale di Danza Virgilio Sieni. In October 2023, Naomi was the recipient of the Villa Vogel Cultural prize, an award given for her creative contribution to the Arts, presented by the Florence City Council. She is Artistic Director of High Notes, a festival she founded in 2009, which takes place annually in the spectacular Apuan Alps.

Music by Naomi Berrill

Naomi Berrill (cello, vocals guitar)
Lorenzo Pellegrini (guitar, synth, vocals)
Andrea Beninati (cello, drums, synth)