Earns No. 2 “Heatseekers” across all musical genres
Atlanta, GA, May 15, 2013 – ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, has debuted at No. 1 on Billboard magazine’s Classical Traditional Music Chart. The album also earned the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s new-artist “Heatseekers” chart, which encompasses all music genres.
ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS topped a group of classical albums that includes Fifty Shades of Grey: The Classical Album and Downton Abbey: The Essential Collection.
“This is an unprecedented accomplishment for an artist, a group of Contemplative Nuns, this devoted, hidden prayerful group who do not tour and remain close to their Benedictine Rule of Life,” said Monica Fitzgibbons, co-founder of De Montfort Music. “We wish to thank all of those who have generously taken the time to help shine the spotlight on this incredible music. The Sisters also thank all those who have come out and supported this music. This generosity has allowed the Sisters to maintain their hidden life of prayer and sacrifice for Priests and for the whole world. We thank you in advance for continuing to help spread the word about this most important heavenly masterpiece.”
De Montfort enlisted nine-time International Grammy® winning producer Christopher Alder, who hails from Germany and two-time Grammy® winning engineer Mark Donahue to record and capture the Sisters in their contemplative environment singing all of ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS.
“The Benedictines of Mary have again created a beautiful recording to connect us to the oldest traditions of European monastic chant and hymns,” remarked Costa Pilavachi, Senior Vice-President, Classical A+R Universal Music Group International.
The full track list for the album:
1. O God of Lovliness |
2. Te Joseph Celebrent |
3. Christe Sanctorum |
4. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence |
5. Duo Seraphim |
6. Veritas Mea |
7. Jesu Dulcis Memoria |
8. Lorica of St. Patrick |
9. Est Secretum |
10. Virgin Wholly Marvellous |
11. Laeta Quies |
12. Ave Regina Caelorum |
13. A Rose Unpetalled |
14. Emicat Meridies |
15. O Deus Ego Amo Te |
16. Jesu Corona Virginum |
17. Dear Angel Ever at My Side |
The album was released May 7, and a 30-minute special on the making of the album began airing on EWTN the week of May 5.
This is the second album from the Benedictines of Mary that has reached No. 1 on Billboard Magazine’s Classical Traditional Music Chart. Last November and December, the Sisters’ debut album, ADVENT AT EPHESUS, with De Montfort Music/Decca, spent six weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Classical Music Chart, and the Sisters ended up as the #1 Classical Traditional Artist of 2012, according to Nielson’s Soundscan.
ADVENT AT EPHESUS rejoined Billboard magazine’s Classical Traditional Music Chart this week, coming in at No. 15.
About the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles
Founded in 1995, The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, are a young, monastic order of Sisters. The Sisters sing together eight times a day as they chant the Divine Office in Latin.
About De Montfort Music
De Montfort Music is a division of Aim Higher Media, both founded by music-industry veterans Kevin and Monica Fitzgibbons. Its special mission is to sign, develop, produce and bring to market the very best in Sacred Music.
About DECCA/Universal
Decca Records is part of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music content company with market-leading positions in recorded music, music publishing, and merchandising.
Please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276, or [email protected]) of Carmel Communications for more information or to schedule interviews.
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