Silent Monks Sing Hallelujah Chorus - Staff Picks

I never would have guessed that a group of silent monks would give us the best musical performance of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus.’ That’s exactly what happened when a group of students from South Kitsap High School got together to perform this viral number.

Originally posted in 2008, this video has gained over 21 million views over the years. In the clip, you can see all 14 ‘monks’ standing on stage with their heads bowed. Then, the famous Christmas tune starts to play and they all spring to life. One by one, they lift their notecards in the air to correspond with the lyrics. The crowd immediately starts to roar with laughter before the first verse is even over with. The students continue to raise their signs to ‘sing along’ with the words of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ by Handel.

This famous tune was written as part of Handel’s famous composition ‘Messiah’ in 1741. This particular song has stood the test of time and is still performed by orchestras and bands today. The powerful notes and increasing tempo gives this composition an entirely different feel. There’s no mistaking that beat when you hear the music start.

No wonder the students of South Kitsap High chose this particular number for their talent show performance. They definitely put their own spin on this classical creation and I’m loving every second of it. I know this must’ve taken a lot of time and effort on their part, but it paid off in the end because it’s now a viral sensation.