About the PCMR
The Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal was founded by Father Léandre Brault in 1956.
Father Brault was inspired by the great tradition of boys' choirs, which dates back to the 6th century. Since its foundation, the choir has fulfilled its mission, which is to enrich the religious services at St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal with beautiful singing.
There are 170 boys in the choir, aged nine to seventeen. Though they represent many different cultural backgrounds, they all share a common passion for singing. At the choir school, the Petits Chanteurs explore the great polyphonic works from across the ages and around the world.
Dedicated to excellence, the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal constitute one of the best children's choirs in North America. The Boys' Choir is a proud member of the International Federation of Pueri Cantores.
Throughout the year, the Petits Chanteurs play a great part in some sixty religious ceremonies at St. Joseph's Oratory, as well as giving many secular concerts. The choir is also often heard on radio and seen on television, and receives invitations to perform abroad. In recent years, the
Petits Chanteurs have sung in Korea, in the Czech Republic, in Germany, in France, in the USA, in Rome for the Jubilee year, and in Spain last summer. Their repertoire ranges from Gregorian chant to contemporary choral works.
The unique educational project of the Boys Choir School has flourished over the last five decades. In addition to the normal curriculum, the Choir School offers an advanced musical education including piano, voice and ear training, choral singing in sacred and secular repertoire. At the
elementary school level, the young boys receive three hours of daily musical training. While pursuing their high school studies at College Notre-Dame, students carry on their musical training at the Choir School, learning new pieces and performing.
Mrs. Johanne Chantal is the Director of the Choir School while Mr. Gilbert Patenaude is the Musical Director.
