The Celtic Cello

Clíodhna’s latest release, For the Love of Trees, is a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer Mickey Houlihan and grows from a lifelong connection with the natural world and her environmental initiative Cellos for Trees, through which more than 8,000 trees have been planted in Ireland. Inspired by musical conversations with trees in Ireland, Switzerland and the United States, the album invites listeners into a space of wonder, reflection and belonging, where sound becomes a bridge between people, place and nature.

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Recorded in Boulder, Colorado on the cello of the late David Darling, the album weaves layered cello textures, voice, atmosphere and field recordings into a meditative sonic journey that invites listeners back into connection with nature, stillness and themselves.

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"As one's imagination enters the trees a sense of safety and familiarity envelops you. The sound helps to define the contours of ancient inner tree architecture. The feeling is one of humility as you might experience in an old chapel, and sometimes grandeur like in a great cathedral. Cliodhna has created a tribute of great beauty, but also a kind of musical map toward grounding, love, and unity."
- Eugene Friesen, Four-time Grammy Award-winning cellist and composer

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“ These are beautiful compositions played with the kind of lyricism I associate with the best air playing in the Irish tradition. The arrangements are thoughtful, cinematic and rich with feeling. This is a beautiful recording.”
- Martin Hayes, Award-winning Irish Fiddler