Monastery of the Holy Cross
The Benedictine brothers of Holy Cross are our local standard-bearers of the monophonic choral tradition that can be traced back to the sixth century. But these monks also throw down some serious polyphony, which is about a thousand years newer. To bring the order entirely up-to-date, they’ve made it easy to experience their singing via a YouTube channel and a Facebook page, and by making their 2017 album of gorgeously sonorous plainchant, “Mass for Ascension,” available to download. For the purist, the best bet is to check the monastery’s website for upcoming events (it seems a bit secular to call them “performances”). (Robert Rodi)
3111 S. Aberdeen, 773.927.7424, chicagomonk.org
Best of Chicago 2018
