One of the most known choirs in the world is at Montserrat Monastery, which is a monastery perched atop a mountain in Catalonia, Spain. Escolania de Montserrat, the monastic choir, has a long history and has been singing there since the 14th century. Over 50 boys at the Escolania de Montserrat reside and learn at the monastery, ranging in age from 9 to 14. They participate in the daily liturgies at the abbey as the choir while also receiving a rigorous education in music, academics, and religion. The choir has become well-known all over the world for its renditions of polyphonic, Catalan, and Gregorian chant. 

The Salve Regina, which is performed at the conclusion of each day at Vespers, is one of the centerpieces of the choirs performances. The choir has been singing the Salve Regina, a hymn to the Virgin Mary, every day for more than 700 years. One of the oldest constantly sung pieces of music in the world, the custom has been passed down from choirboy to choirboy. 

The choir performs daily liturgies as well as concerts and travels all over the world. They have given performances at illustrious locations like the Royal Albert Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. Famous musicians including Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, and Montserrat Caballé have all worked with the choir. 

Many medals and decorations have been bestowed upon the Escolania de Montserrat, including the Cross of Sant Jordi, one of Catalonia’s greatest distinctions. The choir is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

The monastery decided to let girls into its choir in recent years. This choice was taken in consideration of the times’ shifting trends and to give boys and girls the same chances. The choir accepted its first cohort of female members in 2011. 

The girls in the choir receive the same demanding instruction and training as the boys. They supplement their normal academic courses with music instruction. Along with taking part in regular liturgical services, they also provide performances at events and on tours. 

The addition of female singers to the Montserrat choir has been highly appreciated and has improved the monastery. Also, it has assisted in bringing more guests and tourists to the monastery, who come to experience the distinctive sound of the mixed choir. 

The Escolania de Montserrat is a jewel of Catalonia and Spain, and its regular concerts at the Montserrat Monastery are a monument to the beauty and power of music. They serve as a reminder of the value of history and culture in our lives via their devotion to preserving and playing centuries-old music.