Escolania de Montserrat Boys Choir
The Escolania de Montserrat is one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe, with documents showing its existence at least as far back as the early part of the 14th century.
The all-boys choir has been singing at this abbey for over seven hundred years!
The Escolania is also considered one of the top choirs in the world.
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Composed of about 50 boys between the ages of 9 and 14, the liturgical choir usually performs twice daily at the mountaintop Benedictine abbey, but also occasionally goes on tour to other parts of the world.
Experiencing the Escolania de Montserrat perform is one of the top things to do at Montserrat Monastery.
And, starting in 2024, you can also hear a second choir here, made up of both young men and women aged 17 to 24.
Buy your tickets online for the Escolania de Montserrat to avoid spending time on the day of your visit. This combination ticket includes entry to the Basilica and access to La Moreneta and the Museum of Montserrat in addition to the boys’ choir. Check price and availability now!
Planning a trip to the historic mountaintop abbey? Bookmark our Montserrat Monastery website for the complete rundown on visiting Montserrat!
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More about the Escolania de Montserrat
The Escolania de Montserrat is a boys’ choir and historic music school.
Boys that enter the choir receive education in music and singing, but they also receive general education appropriate to their age so that they can seamlessly transition into regular schools when their time at Montserrat Monastery comes to an end.
Students mainly come from the surrounding regions in Catalonia. Some of the escolanets are day scholars, but others reside at the abbey, receiving room and board.
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What time does the boys choir sing at Montserrat?
The Escolania de Montserrat, the boys choir at Montserrat Monastery, performs daily, Monday through Friday, at 1 p.m. and at 7.10 p.m.
The choir does not perform on Saturdays.
On Sundays and religious holidays, the choir performs at noon, as part of the Mass, and at 6.45 p.m. Mass begins at 11 a.m., and you will need reservations.
Note that the boys’ choir may occasionally be on tour, or on school break. You can check the calendar here, to make sure the choir is at Montserrat and will perform on the date you plan to visit.
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Where does the boys choir perform at Montserrat?
The Escolania de Montserrat boys choir performs inside the basilica at Montserrat Monastery in Catalonia.
For many visitors to Montserrat, experiencing the choir perform is at the top of the wish list for the historic abbey.
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How long is the boys choir performance at Montserrat?
The singing by the famous boys’ choir at Montserrat is relatively brief, and lasts about 15 minutes. But it is a magical experience you definitely want to include on your itinerary for Montserrat Monastery!
What does the Montserrat Boys’ Choir sing?
At the afternoon performance, the Montserrat Boys’ Choir perform Salve Regina and the Virolai.
The Virolai is the anthem of Our Lady of Montserrat, and was composed in 1880 by Jacint Verdaguer. Everyone stands when the anthem is sung, and since it is a prayer, you do not clap after the performance.
In the evening the Montserrat Boys’ Choir perform Hello Montserrat and a polyphonic motet.
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Are reservations required to hear the Escolania de Montserrat perform?
Reservations are required for the boys’ choir performance at 1 p.m. on weekdays and for Sunday Mass at 11 a.m.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as spots do tend to sell out.
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Are tickets required for the Escolania de Montserrat?
If you plan to attend a weekday performance at 1 p.m., you will need to pay an admission fee. You can buy tickets online in advance at Tiqets.
While a ticket is not required to attend a Sunday Mass, you will need a reservation.
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Escolania de Montserrat Ticket Prices
Admission to just the boys’ choir performance at the basilica at Montserrat Monastery costs €10.00 online and 11€ at the ticket office.
A combination ticket that includes admission to the basilica and the Escolania boys’ choir as well as the Black Madonna, the Open-Air Museum, the audiovisual room, and the Museo de Montserrat costs 23€ online and 25€ at the ticket office.
You can buy tickets online at Tiqets with the ability to cancel or reschedule until 24 hours prior to your visit. Tickets include access to the Basilica and La Moreneta in addition to the boys’ choir.
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Planning your Escolania de Montserrat Experience
You have to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. performance of the Escolania de Montserrat boys’ choir, but arrive even earlier to secure a good spot.
Similarly, arrive well ahead of the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass time to secure a good seat in the basilica.
While you can visit Montserrat independently, you can also choose a guided tour from Barcelona to not have to worry about all the logistics.
This well-reviewed tour includes the Escolania de Montserrat performance! Before you book, visit the Escolania de Montserrat website and ensure that the choir will be performing on the date of your tour!
You can also choose this highly-rated half-day tour from Barcelona, with the option of going in the morning or the afternoon.