Music by British nuns to top music charts

A group of singing nuns from Sussex have said they are shocked by the "extraordinary success" of their music.

The Arundel sisters have just released their second album, My Peace I Give You.

Their first release 'Light for the World' reached number five in the Official UK Albums Chart in 2020.

The new record "weaves Latin hymns and medieval lyrics with the unique sound of the 21st century," the nuns said.

Recorded in the monastery's chapel at Arundel and mixed at London's Abbey Road studio, the new album is described as "a message of peace in a disunited world and the importance of caring for the planet".

The nuns range in age from 50 to 96 and are from six different nationalities.

Sister Gabrielle told BBC Radio Sussex: "It's amazing how many letters we have received from people all over the world who write to say they are not religious but that our music has touched them."

Sister Leo added: "The last thing you think about when you come here and dedicate your life to community life is getting on the music charts."

The song of creation, written by St Francis of Assisi in 1224, is the basis of the seven-song album./BGNES