Frère Paolo is a Benedictine monk at the Abbey of Saint-Benoît d'En Calcat in France, where the musical instrument, The Psaltery of En Calcat’, is made. It is inspired by two instruments; a plucked string instrument from the Judeo-Christian tradition that accompanies the singing of psalms and is mentioned in the Bible, and the Akkordzither, an instrument from late 19th century Bavaria that has been used in popular folk music.

The Psaltery, both ancient and modern, evokes archaic sounds and can be adapted to accompany Gregorian and Hebrew chant, as well as modern music, with its more complex harmonies. This handcrafted instrument, made in the monastic community, expresses the spirit in which it is made; an artistic work, created without a ‘personal signature’ within a ‘community body’.

First created in 1983, the Benedictine monks of Saint-Benoît d'En Calcat continue to pass on their craft to younger brothers, while exploring new technical and sound solutions.