The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos

The Profile

A Spanish Benedictine choir from the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos (Burgos), renowned for Gregorian chant. They achieved international popularity with the 1994 album “Chant” and have recorded extensively under directors including Dom Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta.

Based in Castile and León, Spain; celebrated for historically informed Gregorian chant. Associated with labels such as Deutsche Grammophon and EMI/Angel. The 1994 compilation “Chant” gained broad international attention and chart success.

A reverent, enthusiastic review of The Mystery of Santo Domingo de Silos praises the monks’ Gregorian chant for its austere yet serene spirituality and strong sense of fraternity. The recording’s natural reverb and clarity highlight breaths, pauses, and vocal inflections. Standout moments include “Dominus Regnavit,” “Nomina Offerentium,” the “Credo,” and darker shadings in the Kyries. Directed by Dom Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta and released on Deutsche Grammophon (1969), it’s hailed as a must-hear masterpiece.