A graphical expansion formula for non-commutative matrix integrals with values in a finite-dimensional real or complex von Neumann algebra is obtained in terms of ribbon graphs and their non-orientable counterpart called Moebius graphs. The contribution of each graph is an invariant of the topological type of the surface on which the graph is drawn. As an example, we calculate the integral on the group algebra of a finite group. We show that the integral is a generating function of the number of homomorphisms from the fundamental group of an arbitrary closed surface into the finite group. The graphical expansion formula yields a new proof of the classical theorems of Frobenius, Schur and Mednykh on these numbers.

A generating function of the number of homomorphisms from the fundamental group of a compact oriented or non-orientable surface without boundary into a finite group is obtained in terms of an integral over a real group algebra. We calculate the number of homomorphisms using the decomposition of the group algebra into irreducible factors. This gives a new proof of the classical formulas of Frobenius, Schur, and Mednykh.