# Escolania de Montserrat

> choir and music school from the Montserrat Abbey

**Wikidata**: [Q1367290](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1367290)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escolania_de_Montserrat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/escolania-de-montserrat

## Summary
The Escolania de Montserrat is a choir and music school associated with the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Spain. Founded in the year 1200, it is one of the oldest music schools in Europe. The institution serves as both a performing choir and an educational center for its students.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** Founded in the year **1200**.
- **Location:** Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, Spain (Address: Passeig de l'Escolania, s/n, 08199).
- **Instance of:** Choir, Music School, Choir School.
- **Native Language:** Catalan.
- **Current Art Director:** Llorenç Castelló i Garriga (since 2014).
- **Previous Directors:** Bernat Vivancos i Farràs (2007–2014).
- **Awards:** Saint George's Cross (1990); Necktie of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise (2005).
- **Coordinates:** Latitude 41.593333, Longitude 1.837222.
- **Social Media:** Approximately 13,000 YouTube followers (as of March 2025).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Escolania de Montserrat?
A: The Escolania de Montserrat is a liturgical choir and boarding school for boys located at the Montserrat Abbey in Catalonia, Spain. It functions as both a musical ensemble and an educational institution.

### Q: When was the Escolania de Montserrat founded?
A: The institution was founded in the year 1200, making it one of the oldest music schools still in operation.

### Q: Who is the current director of the choir?
A: As of 2014, the Art Director of the Escolania de Montserrat is Llorenç Castelló i Garriga. He succeeded Bernat Vivancos i Farràs.

## Why It Matters
The Escolania de Montserrat holds significant historical and cultural weight as one of the oldest musical institutions in Europe, with a continuous history dating back to the 13th century. Located within the prestigious Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, the school plays a vital role in the preservation of Catalan musical heritage and liturgical performance. Its longevity demonstrates a unique sustainability in music education and religious tradition. The institution has received high-level state recognition, including Spain's Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise and Catalonia's Saint George's Cross, underscoring its importance to the region's cultural identity. By training young choristers in a rigorous musical and academic environment, the Escolania ensures the continuity of choral music within the abbey and on the international stage.

## Notable For
- **Historical Longevity:** Being a music school and choir founded in 1200.
- **Cultural Recognition:** Receiving the Saint George's Cross (1990) and the Necktie of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise (2005).
- **Religious Association:** Serving as the official choir school for the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
- **Educational Model:** Operating as a combined choir, music school, and choir school.

## Body

### History and Foundation
The Escolania de Montserrat was established in **1200**. It is recognized as a choir school (choir and music school) attached to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. Throughout its history, it has maintained a presence in the monastery, serving both religious and educational functions.

### Location and Facilities
The institution is headquartered at the **Santa Maria de Montserrat** in Spain.
*   **Address:** Passeig de l'Escolania, s/n, Monistrol de Montserrat.
*   **Postal Code:** 08199.
*   **Geographic Coordinates:** 41.593333° N, 1.837222° E.

### Leadership and Governance
The musical direction of the Escolania is led by an Art Director.
*   **Llorenç Castelló i Garriga** has served as the Art Director since **2014**.
*   **Bernat Vivancos i Farràs** previously held the position from **2007 to 2014**.

### Awards and Honors
The Escolania de Montserrat has received significant civic and state honors:
*   **1990:** Awarded the **Saint George's Cross** (Creu de Sant Jordi), a distinction from the Catalan government.
*   **2005:** Awarded the **Necktie of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise**, a Spanish civil order granted for services to education, science, culture, and research.

### Digital Presence and Media
The Escolania maintains a digital footprint through its official website and social media channels.
*   **Website:** http://www.escolania.cat/
*   **YouTube:** The channel "EscolaniaMontserrat" has approximately **13,000 followers** (as of March 2025) and over 3.8 million video views.
*   **Identifiers:** The organization is cataloged under various library and music database IDs, including VIAF (157016803), ISNI (0000000119586572), and MusicBrainz.

## References

1. [Source](http://dogc.gencat.cat/ca/pdogc_canals_interns/pdogc_resultats_fitxa/?action=fitxa&documentId=39088)
2. [Source](https://boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2005-20831)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. MusicBrainz
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
6. YouTube API