Reclusive Benedictine Nuns Find Their Big Break

by Casey McCorry

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Justin Bieber had better watch out. Decca Records, part of Universal Music, which counts Lady Gaga and U2 among its acts has just signed a major record deal with the nuns of the Abbaye de Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation, a reclusive order based near Avignon. In a global search of 70 convents throughout Europe, Africa, and the United States, this order of Benedictine nuns were deemed to have the finest Gregorian Chant singers.

The order's rules would not allow for Decca Records managing director Dickon Stainer to enter their home to congratulate them.However the alternative seemed to work just fine.

"I passed the contract through the grille, they signed it and passed it back," he said.

In a musical world where money symbols are a commonly accepted spelling for one's name, (as in Ke$ha) or "boom boom boom" are socially accepted lyrical art forms, one finds it incredibly refreshing to hear the sweet sounds of an album the artists merely hope will help listeners "find peace".

The sisters' album, Voice: Chant From Avignon, will be released in November.

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