Austria's Heiligenkreuz Choir to release album through Universal

A CHOIR of Austrian monks is the latest signing to Universal Classics. The Heiligenkreuz Choir of the Abbey Of The Holy Cross, a monastery in the heart of the Vienna woods, rose to prominence after the monastery posted a video clip featuring the monks' 15-strong choir performing a version of Deep Purple's "Smoke On The Water" on YouTube. It has generated more than 82,000 views. Said London-based Universal Classics' A&R manager Tom Lewis, "They are, quite simply, the best Gregorian singers we have heard. They have a magical, evocative sound which is both immediately calming and deeply moving. The monks' Universal debut will be released internationally on 19th May.