SYSTIR concerts in Finland, Estonia and Latvia

To mark Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, the Embassies of Ireland in Finland, Estonia and Latvia hosted a series of concerts by the Irish vocal ensemble SYSTIR.

SYSTIR, meaning "sister" in Icelandic, is part of the ANÚNA Collective. Directed by Irish composer Michael McGlynn, the ensemble presents an atmospheric programme that moves seamlessly between medieval European music, contemporary song and newly composed work.

Connecting traditions with the contemporary

The repertoire draws on the music of medieval Benedictine German abbess Hildegard of Bingen, original compositions and arrangements by McGlynn, and songs associated with artists such as Kate Bush and Janelle Monáe. Through close vocal textures, striking arrangements and the stories carried within the music, SYSTIR creates an immersive sound world that connects ancient traditions with contemporary experience.

The concerts brought together members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, local partners, friends of Ireland and members of the wider community for evenings of music and celebration marking Ireland's Presidency.

Their rich harmonies, artistry and stage presence earned the performers standing ovations at all three concerts. A particularly powerful interpretation of The Cranberries' Zombie lingered long after the music stopped.

On 1 September 2026, SYSTIR began the tour in Helsinki. The concert took place in Temppeliaukio Church, widely known as the "Rock Church" because of its remarkable architecture, with walls carved into solid granite and a dramatic copper-domed ceiling.

Thanks to its distinctive design, the church is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, providing the perfect setting for SYSTIR's beautiful harmonies.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sherlock reflected on the responsibility of Ireland's Presidency at a significant moment for Europe, while highlighting the importance of culture and storytelling in bringing people together:

"Europe is about people and its cultures. It is the stories we tell each other. It is evenings like this one. Tonight, in a church carved from rock, we are about to hear music shaped by voices and traditions from across Europe. Music, which is both ancient and modern."

The ensemble's second stop was Tallinn, where they performed on 2 September at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.

Founded as the Tallinn Higher Music School in 1919, in the wake of Estonia's independence, the academy formed part of a broader nation-building effort to develop Estonian-language culture and professional arts education. Despite surviving war, Soviet occupation and the destruction of its building during the bombing of Tallinn in 1944, the institution continued to grow and evolve.

Today, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is a leading centre for music and theatre education in Estonia, making it a fitting venue for a performance celebrating European culture, creativity and exchange.

In welcoming the group and the audience, Ambassador Sherry highlighted the strong cultural ties between Ireland in Estonia, particularly through music, as well as our strong cooperation bilaterally and as members of the European Union.

On 4 September, the Embassy of Ireland in Riga celebrated Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union with a performance by SYSTIR at the historic Riga Latvian Society House.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Smyth highlighted how the history of the venue reflects many of the values at the heart of the European Union, including freedom, democracy, equality and respect for human dignity:

"The Riga Latvian Society House played an important role in the promotion and preservation of Latvian culture and identity, from the development of theatre to the organisation of the Latvian Song Festival, and in so doing was vital to helping Latvians along the path to self-determination and national liberation, to democracy, to freedom, and ultimately to a reassertion of their place among the nations."

In the beautiful surroundings of one of Riga's most historic cultural venues, SYSTIR delivered a visually stunning and deeply moving performance.

Guests gathered during the interval for a reception hosted by the Embassy with the support of local sponsors Kiwi Bar and Tullamore D.E.W. During their visit to Latvia, SYSTIR also travelled to the Latvijas Kultūras akadēmija (Latvian Academy of Culture), where the ensemble performed and spoke with students about the group's story and the work of founder Michael McGlynn. The visit fostered a valuable cultural exchange and helped showcase contemporary Irish artistic excellence to a new audience.

This concert series was one of many cultural events organised by our missions across Europe to mark the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. You can read the full events calendar for more.