Listen To Chart-Topping Nuns Poor Clares Of Arundel

The Poor Clare Sisters of Arundel, a community of 23 nuns living in a modest convent in the south of England, have become unexpected recording stars. Their chart-topping album, Light For The World, released in October, was the UK’s best-selling classical artist debut of 2020.

Deluxe Version Includes New ‘Chill’ Mixes

Today the Poor Clares of Arundel released a new digital deluxe version of Light For The World, which combines traditional plainchant with added beats, and includes four new ‘chill’ mixes. Their soothing, spiritual music, providing solace in challenging times, has struck a chord with listeners worldwide.

No strangers to living in isolation, the Poor Clares of Arundel are delighted to share their ethos of kindness, calm and meditation through music which has, for them, been a constant source of healing and reflection. Chant takes precedence in their daily lives and they live, work, laugh and pray according to the form of life drawn up by St Clare of Assisi in 1253.

Light For The World topped the UK Classical Artist Album and spent nine consecutive weeks at No.1 on the UK Specialist Classical Chart last year, returning to the top spot again at the start of 2021. The Poor Clares of Arundel have also appeared on TV in the UK, US, Canada, Germany and beyond – while maintaining their humble daily routine at the convent in Arundel.

“We are thrilled that our music has touched the hearts of the public”

The Poor Clares of Arundel have been overwhelmed by the public’s reaction to their debut album. Sister Gabriel Davison said, “We are thrilled that our music has touched the hearts of the public. We hope Light For The World will bring you peace, joy and a sense of calm as you cope during these difficult times of isolation and stress.”

Light For The World features writings from St. Clare and St. Francis, set to music by composers Juliette Pochin and James Morgan, alongside Latin hymns and medieval texts with a unique 21st Century production. At the centre of the album is the ancient music of plainchant which, research has shown, may help reduce stress.

Tom Lewis, Co-Managing Director at Decca Records, said, “The magical, calming qualities of Gregorian Chant regularly re-emerge and enjoy massive worldwide popularity. It is music that soothes something ancient within us all. And, with the world facing so many concurrent challenges, it’s no accident that chant is back again. When we first heard the demos from The Poor Clares of Arundel, we were transfixed. Theirs is a brand-new approach, perfectly designed for the headphone-wearing masses looking for a moment of escape.”

Sister Gabriel Davison explained, “We find deep joy in our chants and now hope that our music will reach many lives, bringing peace, love and a sense of well-being to all who listen.”

The deluxe version of Light For The World has been digitally released.

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