Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Austria

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz are a group of classical music artists who have gained worldwide recognition for their exceptional performances of Gregorian chant and other sacred music. The group is based in the Stift Heiligenkreuz monastery, located in the Vienna Woods of Austria. The origins of the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz can be traced back to the founding of the Stift Heiligenkreuz monastery in 1133. The monastery was established by a group of Cistercian monks who had been sent from Morimond Abbey in France to establish a new monastery in Austria. Over the centuries, the monastery grew in size and importance, becoming a center of learning and culture in the region. The musical tradition of the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz dates back to the earliest days of the monastery. The monks were known for their beautiful singing of Gregorian chant, a form of plainchant that has been used in the Catholic Church for over a thousand years. The monks also composed their own music, creating a unique musical tradition that has been passed down through the generations. In the early 2000s, the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz gained international fame when they released their first album, "Chant: Music for Paradise." The album, which featured recordings of the monks singing Gregorian chant and other sacred music, became a surprise hit, selling over a million copies worldwide. The album was praised for its beauty and simplicity, and it helped to introduce a new generation of listeners to the timeless music of the Cistercian monks. Since the release of "Chant: Music for Paradise," the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz have continued to perform and record music. They have released several more albums, including "Chant: The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos," which featured recordings of the monks singing with a group of Benedictine monks from Spain. The album was another commercial success, selling over a million copies worldwide. In addition to their recordings, the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz have also performed live in concert halls around the world. They have performed in some of the most prestigious venues in Europe, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Musikverein in Vienna. Their performances have been praised for their beauty and spiritual power, and they have won over audiences with their simple yet profound music. The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz have also received numerous awards and honors for their music. In 2009, they were awarded the Echo Klassik award for their album "Chant: Music for Paradise." The award is one of the most prestigious in the classical music world, and it recognizes excellence in recording and performance. The monks have also been honored by the Austrian government, receiving the Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria in 2010. Despite their success, the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz remain humble and dedicated to their monastic life. They continue to live a simple and austere existence, devoting themselves to prayer, work, and study. Their music is a reflection of their spiritual life, and it has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. In conclusion, the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz are a group of classical music artists who have gained worldwide recognition for their exceptional performances of Gregorian chant and other sacred music.

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