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"The Monks of Norcia have maintained a high status since their Gregorian chant disc debuted at the #1 classical spot for weeks" Declares Classicalite

Contact: Monica Fitzgibbons, De Montfort Music, 602-999-2697, Monica@DeMontfortMusic.com 
 
NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- The most unlikely artist to top the charts of the last twelve months -- a group of monks who reside in a monastery in Italy – has made their mark on the classical music landscape with impressive chart positions and year-end sweeps that continue months after release. The Monks of Norcia became Billboard's # 2 Overall Classical Traditional Artist of 2015 as a result of the success of their international debut album, BENEDICTA: Marian Chant from Norcia. With the dawning of 2016, they have again continued to top the Billboard Classical Charts resulting in a total of 19 weeks at #1 since the release of 'Benedicta.'

The moving music and story of The Monks of Norcia garnered the attention of the media including CBS Sunday Morning, The Washington Post, USA Today, NBC News, NPR, PBS, New York Times, The Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, Fox News, CBS Evening News and many more.

The Monks of Norcia consists of half American citizens and half representing a variety of cultural backgrounds. Their average age is 33. Together, the collective is heralded as one of the most authentic singing communities of Gregorian chant today.  They are led by Fr. Cassian Folsom, Prior, an American who studied voice at Indiana University's School of Music before joining the monastery; Fr. Benedict Nivakoff, Subprior and Fr. Basil Nixen, Choirmaster. 

"We continue to be grateful for the ongoing support of the music of 'Benedicta' -- we're humbled by such an enthusiastic response.  Of course, we welcome visitors to Norcia, but for those who may not be able to make a pilgrimage here, this recording is a way for us to share the daily life and prayer of our community.  This music has been sung for centuries, and we are happy to be able to play some small part in making it known," said Fr. Cassian.

Striving to communicate their vision of life by way of "earthly experiences," The Monks of Norcia also operate a craft brewery at the monastery, Birra Nursia.  

Watch the Cinematic EPK about their life and music here.

www.osbnorcia.org

www.DeMontfortMusic.com