Chant Music for Paradise

A group of Austrian monks have hit the top 10 of the pop charts.

The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz (Holy Cross) were signed by Universal Music following a worldwide search for the best practitioners of the ancient art of Gregorian chant.

The monks submitted their winning entry as a YouTube link to the record company.

The resulting album, Chant - Music For Paradise, was released on Monday, and came in the charts at number nine.

The monks themselves are astounded. More used to the quieter practices of prayer and contemplation, they are unaccustomed to the spotlight of the showbiz world.

"We're overjoyed, and really did not think that so many people would like the album so much. We hope that all who listen to it find calm and strength in those thousand-year-old melodies," said Father Karl from their monastery just outside Vienna.

"The income we receive from this project will all be used to further the education of our Cistercian brothers from Vietnam and other poor countries, and for that we are eternally grateful."

The record company placed adverts in religious papers several months ago, asking for singers of plainsong to submit entries in order to be considered for a record contract.

HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: "This sort of recording very rarely makes it to the top of the charts, but at the moment it's close to outselling the likes of Madonna in our stores, which would be an incredible feat given the massive following and profile she enjoys. Monastic chanting has to be the ultimate chill music."

A spokeswoman for the record company said: "These monks are singing stars who are in bed by 9pm, have their days filled with prayer, contemplation and good deeds: what better pop idol for 2008?"

Source: The Press Association