LORICA

LORICA is the flagship chamber choir of the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS), founded in September 2023 by Dr Jo-Michael Scheibe and Dr Michael T. Dawson. Now based in Dublin City Centre, its name derives from St Patrick’s Prayer for Protection (St Patrick’s Breastplate) and reflects the choir’s mission to protect, embody, and promote the artistic and spiritual essence of Ireland through song.

The choir’s repertoire focuses on Irish-centred works, contemporary compositions, and newly commissioned music, with a strong emphasis on the Irish language. LORICA’s early achievements include winning the Oak Tree Trophy at the 2024 Derry International Choral Festival, launching an album of Irish arrangements by Eoin Conway in 2025, and releasing a series of videos promoting Irish choral music.