Monks sought for recording deal

Religious singers have until the end of February to apply

A major record label is on the lookout for a group of monks to record an album of Gregorian chants.

Universal Music, behind artists including Amy Winehouse, is advertising in religious publications for "monks, men of the cloth and sacred singers".

Interested parties are being asked to send in audition tapes.

"Our aim is to reach singers from outside the X Factor generation," said Dickon Stainer, managing director of Universal Classics and Jazz.

'Very excited'

Gregorian chant, which had a run of chart success in the mid-1990s with Enigma, dates back to the early Middle Ages.

The adverts, running from Sunday onwards, read: "Attention: plainchant singers from all religious orders. World's leading record company seeking monks, men of the cloth and sacred singers for a unique recording contract."

The adverts will be published in The Catholic Times, The Church Times, The Catholic Herald, The Tablet and The Universe among others.

"We are all very excited about what these adverts may unearth," said Universal A&R executive Tom Lewis.