Trio Sankhara bring together three of Ireland’s foremost musicians in the realm of contemporary improvised music. Tipperary-born guitarist Joe O’Callaghan is a true force in Irish jazz, known for his extended, tasteful lines, modern chord voicings, and an instinctive drive to rock out when the moment calls for it. Japanese-born, Irish-based pianist Izumi Kimura moves fluidly between classical, contemporary, jazz, and improvised music, bringing what the Irish Times describes as “a combination of feral creativity and technical virtuosity to the stage that belies her calm demeanour.” Bassist Derek Whyte is a key figure in Dublin’s experimental jazz scene, performing with cutting-edge groups like ReDiviDeR, Fuzzy Logic, and The Troupe, and collaborating widely with top jazz musicians across Ireland and the UK.

As a trio, they perform original music shaped by the influences of jazz, classical, and rock. Having played together for many years, they released their debut album The Silent Tree in 2020. The Irish Times noted, “Despite an impressive command of his own instrument, the unassuming guitarist gives plenty of space to his equally impressive bandmates, pianist Izumi Kimura and bassist Derek Whyte, to put their own mark on the music.”