Female vocal group on way to Japan

A Meath vocal group have been chosen to showcase Ireland's incredible Hallowe'en roots at EXPO 25, in Osaka, Japan, next week.

Schola Hyberniae will perform concerts at Ireland's Pavillion at the Expo on Monday and Tuesday. The all female group will perform a blend of Gregorian and early music, reflecting Ireland's deep connections with honouring and remembering those who have passed on.

The group, which rehearses in Ashbourne, has members from Navan, Ashbourne and Kells. They specialise in early music and polyphony and will showcase a premiere of their concert work ‘Songs of the Spirits: East Meets West” at the Expo.

Spokesperson Irene D'Arcy said their performance is inspired by the ancient rituals of Ireland’s Oíche Shamhna, with its origins here in Meath, and Japan’s Festival of Obon.

"It explores and celebrates the universal human desire to honour and remember the dead. Audiences at EXPO 25 will be invited to experience the ethereal beauty of Gregorian chant, Irish song, and haunting choral traditions woven together by some of Ireland’s most acclaimed vocalists." Featuring music unearthed from the archives of Trinity College Dublin and Marsh’s Library, Dublin, Schola Hyberniae’s performances will include rare chants from medieval Irish manuscripts, specially arranged by founder and director Dr Giovanna Feeley for this event.

They will bring this incredible show back to Ireland, to perform for home audiences at St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin, on Sunday 2nd November at 4pm, as part of Bram Stoker Festival 2025.