Angels and Saints at Ephesus Angels and Saints at Ephesus

If you've ever wondered what singing angels sound like, it's easy to imagine the possibilities when you listen to the Benedictines of Mary in song. This order of contemplative nuns melted our hearts with their first CD "Advent at Ephesus" and now they are back with a new release that launches on May 7. "Angels and Saints at Ephesus" builds on the strengths of their first project and is truly a gift, a tool of the New Evangelization. This week, we're thrilled to be giving away one copy of Angels and Saints at Ephesus on its release date. See the details below and be sure to enter to win this treasure.

Second Album from Chart-topping Order of Contemplative Nuns to release worldwide May 7

Benedictines of Mary sing of Angels and Saints at Ephesus

Atlanta, GA, April 9, 2013 – As a follow-up to their chart-topping first release with the Decca Label Group, The Benedictines of Mary unite their voices once more in ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS. This second album, a year round collection, will entertain and inspire, featuring 17 English and Latin pieces sung a cappella for the feasts of the holy Saints and angels.  Recorded once again at their Priory in the heartland of America, this new album is a dynamic yet pure fusion of their contemplative sound. The Sisters call to mind the glory of the future vision of God in the company of all of His angels and Saints.  Click here for a visual sneak peek at the album.

Photo credit: De Montfort Music Photo credit: De Montfort Music

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. Featured on NPR, USA Today, People Magazine and The Washington Times as well as countless other critically acclaimed press outlets, The Benedictines of Mary have created another beautiful recording of their music.

“Gathering the hymns we have learned and loved, it seemed only natural to suggest the theme of the Angels and Saints, the heralds of God's glory and grace for this album. Music is a vital part of our spirituality, and it has been a blessing to have it blossom and broaden in recent years. We are all very excited about this release,” said Sr. Scholastica, the Order’s sub prioress and the designer of the album’s artwork.

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.

Kevin Fitzgibbons, CEO of De Montfort Music remarked: “On the heels of the impact of ADVENT AT EPHESUS, here is the angelic music of ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS, an answer to numerous requests and comments asking for new music to listen to year-round from the Benedictines of Mary.”

The full track list for the album:

1. Dear Angel Ever At My Side
2. Ave Regina Cælorum
3. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
4. Christe Sanctorum
5. Duo Seraphim
6. Virgin Wholly Marvellous
7. Est Secretum
8. Lorica of St. Patrick
9. O Deus Ego Amo Te
10. Emicat Meridies
11. O God of Loveliness
12. Læta Quies
13. A Rose Unpetalled
14. Jesu Dulcis Memoria
15.Te Joseph Celebrent
16. Jesu Corona Virginum
17. Veritas Mea

The album will be available May 7th and a thirty-minute special on the making of the album will begin airing on EWTN the week of May 5th.

Pre-order the CD now and receive in time for Mother's Day.

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.

To enter to win "Angels and Saints at Ephesus", leave a comment below by Midnight Pacific on May 7, 2013. One winner will be randomly selected and notified by email.

Copyright 2013 Lisa M. Hendey