Systir might draw on ancient vocal traditions but the female vocal group have managed to create a beguiling sound that is all new and utterly fresh.
They are arguably Ireland’s most in-demand vocal ensemble since Anúna, whose name remains synonymous with what is perceived internationally as Irish choral music.
There is a connection, though. Both groups are led by celebrated Dublin composer Michael McGlynn, whose two daughters Aisling and Lauren are amongst the Systir line-up.
Much sought-after globally, touring places like the Netherlands, Italy, Japan and Scandinavia, Systir will be performing in the atmospheric and historic setting of St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh this Saturday as part of the Home of St Patrick Festival.
Highlighting the international appeal of their music, Systir’s name loosely translates as ‘sister’ in Icelandic.
Aisling McGlynn explains: “We were walking down a street in Reykjavík and spotted a restaurant sign. The word jumped out at us because, in Icelandic, it doesn’t have exactly the same meaning as it does in English. A sister can be a friend, a colleague, a lover, or a sibling. That sense of inclusivity is something we want to foster in the group,”
“For me, the name is even more meaningful because Aisling is my actual sister. We never expected to be in a band together, but there’s a connection when we sing that I think people can hear, especially when we perform as part of the same line-up, like in Armagh. More than that, there’s a bond between all of us in the group. We are sisters in music,” adds Lauren.
The current Systir full line-up includes members from Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Wales and Sweden. For their concert in Armagh Aisling, Lauren and Wicklow’s Lorna Breen are joined by Amelia Jones from Wales and Sigrid Algesten from Sweden, accompanied by Cian O’Donnell on guitar and bodhrán.
“Most of our songs are built around improvised vocal lines. There’s nothing unusual about it - we’ve just learned not to be afraid to improvise. The idea of just using the voice is something that is innate in all of us,” explains Aisling.
Originally formed in 2018 and focusing entirely upon medieval and early music, the group has recently been transformed with new faces and a new focus.
“After Covid, we had a line-up change, and both Lauren and I joined. That shift changed our perspective. The group is quite different now, with only one original member remaining. In many ways, it feels like a fresh start, and that’s been incredibly exciting. It means that we can start fresh, and we are finding that an exciting journey,” says Aisling.
Later this year Systir will launch their debut album, which the girls say will “surprise a lot of people because it’s so eclectic”.
“We’ve taken our time with it, and I think that’s been the right choice. A lot of people associate us with early music, but this album reflects a much wider range of influences. It’s a way of exploring who we are now,” says Lorna, the group’s youngest member, who is currently combining music with studying for her Leaving Certificate.
Their eclectic repertoire ranges from medieval, through to folk and contemporary, including songs from Game of Thrones and the music of Janelle Monáe.
“We might jump 500 years between two songs, but the challenge - and the joy - is making it feel cohesive and accessible,” enthuses Aisling.
St Patrick’s Day is about welcoming spring and new life, and we hope our music reflects that sense of renewal
— Aisling McGlynn
“I’m responsible for the medieval elements in many ways because that’s my favourite part of music history and it’s exciting to bring these pieces to a new public.”
“I also brought in Janelle Monáe’s music, as I remember singing her songs when I was a small child. It’s something that has always stuck with me, and it’s interesting to take an artist like that and reinterpret the music within a vocal group setting,” adds Lauren.
The common thread between all their music is storytelling. “That’s what ties it all together. We take our own backgrounds into account, and our performances reflect the individuality of each singer,” says Lorna, agreeing that the tradition of Irish storytelling comes across through some of their music.
“This can be seen particularly through Sean-nós singing and the use of the Irish language in our repertoire. We are lucky to have this tradition as part of what we do, and it is a great privilege to be able to perform these pieces.”
Aisling further highlights that storytelling exists across cultures and that is perhaps why their music travels so well and resonates across the world.
“The stories we tell in Ireland are the same ones told in Sweden, Wales, and Sicily - just in a different language.
“Love, hate, joy, laughter - these themes are universal. No matter where you are in the world, these emotions connect us all.”
It’s also why a song written centuries ago can still feel relevant today.
“Stories don’t belong to one time or place. It’s strange to sing a piece from the 15th century and realise the same story is being told by a writer today,” reflects Lauren.
“People don’t change. We see the same themes in medieval texts and contemporary songs.”
For their St Patrick’s concert, Systir will perform a selection of songs including chant, folk and contemporary.
“St Patrick’s Day is about welcoming spring and new life, and we hope our music reflects that sense of renewal. The songs we choose reflect themes of transformation, community, and the cycles of nature,” says Aisling.
Excited to have bookings in 2025 for Iceland, China, Germany and Finland, what are Systir’s long-term hopes?
“It’s very exciting. We want to continue creating, recording, and performing our music together,” says Lorna.
“We would like to further develop our sound and our artistic voices while building an audience and a reputation so that hopefully we could tour more continuously and have this, along with our other work with the Anúna collective, be our full-time job.”
Systir’s harmonies will fill St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral Armagh on March 15 as part of Armagh’s Home of St Patrick Festival. For tickets and full festival information visit visitarmagh.com/festivals/st-patrick
