## Montserrat Choir Ranks Among BBC’s Top 10 World Singing Groups
The Escolania de Montserrat, the renowned boys' choir based at the Montserrat Monastery in Catalonia, has been named by the BBC as one of the ten best choirs in the world. This prestigious recognition, announced in July 2021 by the BBC’s classical music review, highlights the choir's extraordinary musical tradition and international acclaim[1][2][4].
**A Legacy Spanning Centuries**
Founded in the 1300s, the Escolania de Montserrat is one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe. The ensemble consists of around 50 boys aged 9 to 14, who not only perform daily at the Basilica of Montserrat but also tour internationally and have recorded over 100 albums[1][2]. The choir’s repertoire includes sacred music, Renaissance polyphony, classical works, and Catalan folk songs, reflecting both its deep roots and its versatility[1][4].
**Education and Musical Excellence**
Members of the Escolania receive a comprehensive education at the monastery, balancing general studies in the morning with intensive musical training in the afternoon. Each chorister learns to sing, play the piano, and master an additional instrument, fostering a level of musical proficiency that has produced many professional musicians, conductors, and composers[1][4].
**A Symbol of Catalan Identity**
Montserrat, the iconic mountain and pilgrimage site near Barcelona, has long been a symbol of Catalan culture and spirituality. The choir’s performances, both at home and abroad, are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, often leaving audiences profoundly moved[2][4]. The Escolania’s blend of tradition, discipline, and community support is credited as a key factor in its sustained excellence[1].
**BBC Recognition and Global Impact**
The BBC praised the Escolania de Montserrat not only for its musical achievements but also for its role as one of Europe’s oldest and most respected choirs[2][4]. The choir’s inclusion alongside ensembles such as the King’s College Choir Cambridge and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir underscores its global stature.
In response to the recognition, the Escolania expressed pride and a renewed sense of responsibility, vowing to continue bringing peace and beauty to listeners worldwide[2].
**Looking to the Future**
While the choir has historically consisted of boys, recent developments have seen Montserrat preparing to welcome female voices for the first time in its nearly 1,000-year history, marking a new chapter in its evolution[3].
**Quick Facts**
| Choir | Escolania de Montserrat |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Founded | 1300s |
| Location | Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain |
| Members | Boys aged 9–14 |
| Conductor | Llorenç Castelló |
| Repertoire | Sacred, Classical, Folk |
| Albums | 100+ |
| BBC Recognition | Top 10 Choirs in the World (2021)|
The Escolania de Montserrat’s recognition by the BBC cements its place as a beacon of choral excellence, representing both the heritage and the living spirit of Catalan music on the world stage[1][2][4].
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