Classicalite's favorite Benedictine sect of monks from Norcia's new album, BENEDICTA: Marian Chant from Norcia, not only debuted atop Billboard's classical chart, it's No. 1 for the second straight week. The record also garnered the top spot overall at Barnes and Noble, no doubt thanks to a wonderful campaign from Universal Music Classics.

We first reported only a few weeks ago about the sect, and we simply cannot put down this disc. BENEDICTA was recorded by a group of 18 men; half American citizens and half representing a group of multinationals who, collectively, are perhaps the most authentically active singing communities of Gregorian chant today.

Led by erstwhile Hoosier Friar Cassian Folsom, the prior was visiting New York earlier this week, and Classicalite's own Ian Holubiak had the wonderful pleasure to speak with him about his intriguing story first-hand. Look for that "Classicalite Q&A" coming soon!

Chicago's premiere classical radio station WFMT just aired an insightful interview with Fr. Cassian, as well.

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