Escolania de Montserrat ( cat. Escolania de Montserrat ) at the monastery of Montserrat is one of the most ancient children's choirs in the world. There are documents confirming its existence in the XIV century. At the same time, the first images of a group of singers in tunics were made, which today give a unique appearance to the choir. [one]
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History
The choir consists of 50 children, from 9 to 14 years. The recruitment is made among children residing in Catalonia , the Balearic Islands or the Valencian Community . Living in the monastery, singers receive school education in parallel with the music. They learn to play two musical instruments, vocals and choral singing. The choir participates in liturgy, but performs not only spiritual music, but also classics for choirs. Since 1968, Eskolaniya begins its concert activities outside of Montserrat and performs with concerts in Catalonia, as well as in Europe and other continents.
Under the long leadership of Maestro Padre Ireneo Segarra ( 1953-1997 ), the team recorded hundreds of CDs and won many prestigious international awards. The choir has performed with such outstanding groups as the Barcelona Orchestra of the Yure Theater, the National Orchestra of the Cambra d'Andorra, the Orchestra of Granada , the Dutch orchestra of the Musica Ducis Brabantiya, the National Orchestra of Barcelona and Catalonia. With this orchestra, as well as together with the choirs "Cor Madrigal" and "Orfeo Catalan" participated in the opening of the Cultural Forum, performing the "Military Requiem" by Benjamin Britten under the direction of Mstislav Rostropovich . Choirmaster Eskolanii - outstanding musicians, composers and conductors. In most cases, they were Benedictine monks from the monastery of Montserrat.