The Stairwell Carollers Choir Blog

Preparing for a Christmas of Song - from our Director

2025-11-12T16:07:00.001-05:00

As the first real snow falls across our Nation’s Capital, our choir’s rehearsals have taken on that unmistakable sense of anticipation that comes near the end of the year. We’ve been at this since the end of August—those warm, late-summer evenings now feel like a lifetime ago—but the change in the air has transformed our music. When the world outside turns white, the carols we’ve been carefully shaping for months suddenly feel as though they’ve found their season.

Back in August, when the crickets were still singing and the days stretched long, our rehearsal hall echoed with Gaudete and Deck the Hall. Neighbours within earshot could be seen smiling or shaking their heads, no doubt amused by the sound of Christmas cheer floating out into the humid air.

But we knew what they didn’t: those early rehearsals pay off! Building the foundation early lets the music deepen, ripen, and settle into our bones long before the first frost.

This year’s program is a journey through time, beginning with Gaudete—a radiant 16th-century call to rejoice—and ending with the world première of Carol of the Winter Squall, a brand-new work by our own Terry Brynaert. Between those two bookends lies an array of music both familiar and new: traditional carols, modern classics, and a generous helping of my own compositions and arrangements, several of which have been called back for this occasion.

Bringing older pieces back to life has been one of the most rewarding parts of this season. Some of these works I wrote or arranged decades ago, often for smaller ensembles or different voices, and hearing them anew through the vibrant sound of The Stairwell Carollers of 2025 has been like meeting old friends who’ve grown wiser with time. Reworking Venez, Divin Messie, Away in a Manger, and What Child Is This? has allowed me to revisit the intentions behind them—to refine textures, clarify harmonies, and rediscover the joy that inspired them in the first place. The singers, in turn, have brought their own insights, shaping the music with a warmth and subtlety that I could never have imagined when I first wrote it.

Creating a new piece, however, presents an entirely different challenge. With Carol of the Winter Squall, we are not merely performing—we are inventing. The first rehearsals were full of questions: How will the rhythms breathe? Where does the storm give way to calm? But as we’ve explored it together, the piece has taken on its own life—blustery, bright, and full of heart. There’s a special thrill in knowing we are its first interpreters, giving voice to something that didn’t exist a few months ago.

What drives us now is a shared sense of purpose. Every rehearsal feels charged with discovery, every note a step closer to that moment when audience and choir will meet in sound and celebration. When the lights go down and Gaudete begins, all the months of preparation, the revisiting of old works and the birthing of new ones, will converge into a single expression of joy.

And as the final notes of Carol of the Winter Squall fade into silence, I hope you’ll feel what we’ve felt all season long—that music, whether centuries old or freshly minted, is a living thing. It grows, it changes, and it brings us together, year after year, to sing against the dark and welcome the light.

— Pierre Massie

OUR UPCOMING 2025 CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

https://www.stairwellcarollers.com/en/concerts-xmas/

To learn more about the Stairwell Carollers, visit: stairwellcarollers.com.

And to hear the Carollers singing, visit our YouTube channel.
A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert tickets, CDs, Digital Downloads and Streaming sales.

About The Stairwell Carollers:
Pierre Massie created our a cappella choir in 1977 while he was a music student at Ottawa University. With wins in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competitions, we are ranked among the best of Ontario choirs.

Since 1997 we have donated over $143,800 to local charities and scholarships.

TONIGHT! Stairwell Carollers Spring 2025 choral Concert

2025-06-07T13:15:00.000-04:00

TONIGHT!

Stairwell Carollers Spring 2025 choral Concert TONIGHT June 7th!

St. Barnabas church 70 James Street Ottawa Don't miss us! Tickets on sale online and at the door.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-stairwell-carollers/events/-madrigal/

Our concert this season includes our most challenging repertoire ever. More than half of the songs are new to every one of us! The evening will consist of 23 secular and sacred works from across the ages. As always, we will perform songs in several languages, including German, Latin, Spanish, French, English and Swedish.

The repertoire includes the Kyrie from Rheinberger's Mass in Eb for two choirs, along with other works by well-known Renaissance and Victorian greats such as Morley, di Lasso, Dowland, Encina, Janequin and many more. The music spans many eras and includes contemporary works by Poulenc and Holst. We will also be singing the beautiful theme from the popular TV series, "Outlander".

Bring your friends and enjoy our springtime musical smorgasbord. You won't be disappointed!

To learn more about the Stairwell Carollers, visit: stairwellcarollers.com.

And to hear the Carollers singing, visit our YouTube channel.

Choral Workshop with Gabriel Lewis-O'Conner a Transformative Experience

2025-05-21T15:42:00.002-04:00

A week ago, I had the absolute privilege of attending a 3-day workshop with my Ottawa Choir, The Stairwell Carollers, led by the incredibly talented, observant, and kind Gabe Lewis-O'Connor.

To say this experience was transformative would be an understatement. Not only did our sound change and evolve as a collective in those 3 short (intense) days, but we were provided with so many new tools and ideas to furnish ourselves with moving forward on our individual vocal journeys.

... It was pretty nostalgic seeing some "theatre" exercises called upon, too, after a 5+ year hiatus. (8-count shake-outs anyone?) Exploring the parallels between theatrical character and voice work, and the nuances of choral music and various composers was certainly a highlight.

Still such an amazing privilege to be part of his group of diversely talented, enthusiastic, and supportive musicians.

Please, please, if you are able, ... DO come see our show on June 7th.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE ONLINE ONLY

This isn't me flogging ticket sales out of necessity. This is me wanting to share this music with as many folks as possible, and guaranteeing you that you WILL smile, feel, and leave with a different kind of lightness than what you may or may not have come in with.

Shayna M (from FaceBook)

A registered Canadian charity, The Stairwell Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert tickets, CDs, Digital Downloads and Streaming sales.

Since 1997 we have donated over $143,800 to local charities and scholarships.

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Pierre Massie created our a cappella choir in 1977 while he was a music student at Ottawa University. With wins in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competitions, we are ranked among the best of Ontario choirs.

The Stairwell Carollers welcomes new singers to the Stairwell for Spring 2025!

2025-02-11T14:39:00.004-05:00

For the interest of other choir directors and singers here is the email that our director sent to everyone to welcome them to our new season.

Hello to all of you who are joining the carollers for your first rehearsal.

By now you've hopefully gotten a chance to go through the document I sent you and have successfully accessed our members' page. Don't forget to log out as per the instructions I sent you, that way it ensures your visit to the page shows up on our tracking list. The log out instructions are in the doc I sent and in the videos included in that pdf.

The first rehearsal can be overwhelming and I wanted to remind you that although preparation is important, we know that learning four songs can seem like a lot. It's pretty much our average number per rehearsal and the only way for us to ensure we're ready by concert time. Musescore can help you get through that preparation but we don't expect perfection.

It's likely you'll feel overwhelmed the first time you sing with us. To help alleviate some of that, I thought you might be interested in some stats about the group...

With the four of you, the group will have 35 singers.
Of those, 8 have been singing with me for over 15 years. Myself and Holly started the group. Denyse has been with me for 43 years. Susan is coming up to her 30th. She was the alto at your audition and René is coming up on 21 years. He was the bass.
6 others have been with the group between 5 and 15 years
13 have been singing 2 or more years
4 started last fall so this is their first spring session. They're on a level playing field with the four of you.

This coming Wednesday you have four songs to learn and here are the stats for those...

A1) My Bonny Lass - 12 of us have sung the piece before
A2) I Am Not Yours - 11 of us know it
A4) Cantique de Jean Racine - 14 of us know it although I did change it a bit but not enough to make a diff.
D2) Laudemus cum armonia - 13 of us know it

I thought it might help to know this so you don't feel left behind by how quickly things move this Wednesday. Take a breath. We are super organized as a choir as you can see. We want to make your first experiences with us as pleasant as possible.

Seek out your mentors for help. You'll have questions and for the first rehearsals, I allow time for you to ask those questions.

All the best to you. Know that I'm rooting for you.
P.

Personally, I have a great hopes for this seasons performances because the choir’s sound is already fantastic. I will post a sample soon.

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert tickets, CDs, Digital Downloads and Streaming sales.

Since 1997 we have donated over $143,800 to local charities and scholarships.

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Pierre Massie created our a cappella choir in 1977 while he was a music student at Ottawa University. With wins in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competitions, we are ranked among the best of Ontario choirs.

Ottawa’s Stairwell Carollers Auditioning Tenors for Spring 2025!

2025-01-18T22:45:00.001-05:00

You heard that right!

Ottawa’s Premier a cappella chamber chorale, The Stairwell Carollers is looking for that perfect male tenor voice.

Could it be you?

If you live in the Ottawa/Outaouais region and are available to rehearse in person once a week on Wednesday nights, we welcome you to audition Wednesday January 29, 2025. Contact us now to book your 15 minute tryout!

Sorry, this is not an open audition, you must book your time ahead.

Email : info(at)stairwellcarollers(dot)com

To qualify, all you need is a solid voice, a good ear and a great attitude.
Ability to read music is not required, but it is an asset. All music files necessary to learn the songs are provided through our website members page.

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert tickets, CDs, Digital Downloads and Streaming sales.

Since 1997 we have donated over $143,800 to local charities and scholarships.

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Réflexions Du Vendredi Soir - Bogoroditse Devo

2024-05-17T13:37:00.002-04:00

Maggie réalise Bogoroditse Devo - Chanteurs Stairwell

Ce soir, j'étais le barde - le conteur, le créateur d'histoires.

Pendant notre atelier, j'ai eu le plaisir de mettre en scène Bogoroditse Devo.... Et sans vraiment y penser, c'est devenu une performance artistique. Je me suis placée au centre du cercle et j'ai laissé mon âme m'entraîner dans la danse subtile qu'est ce magnifique morceau de musique.

Quelque chose de profond m'a envahi

Depuis de nombreuses années, cette pièce de Rachmaninov est l'une de mes préférées. J'apprécie beaucoup la musique russe, et Rachmaninov parvient à toucher le cœur de mon être plus que la plupart des autres. Les lignes mélodiques exquises adressées à la Sainte Vierge sont comme les ailes des anges qui touchent la terre. Le texte peut être traduit approximativement comme suit :

Réjouis-toi, ô Vierge Mère de Dieu,

Marie pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous.

Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes,

et béni est le fruit de tes entrailles,

car tu as donné naissance au Sauveur de nos âmes.

C’est très proche de le « Je vous salue, Marie »

Je vous salue Marie, comblée de grâce,

Le Seigneur est avec vous,

Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes

Et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles, est bénie.

Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu,

Priez pour nous, pauvres pécheurs,

Maintenant, et à l’heur de notre mort.

Amen.

Je ne peux exprimer ma joie et ma gratitude d'avoir pu diriger cette œuvre avec un groupe de chanteurs aussi doués. Quelque chose de profond m'a envahi et, ensemble, nous sommes tous devenus la musique - c'était comme une danse, avec moi au centre, ayant le pouvoir de diriger tout le monde. Mes bras sont devenus comme des ailes, touchant et guidant ce chœur d'anges tandis que nous nous élevions dans ce magnifique hommage à une puissance supérieure. La tapisserie des voix mélangées évoquait à la fois la couleur et la profondeur des sentiments, et ce fut l'un des moments les plus extraordinaires de ma vie.

Celui-ci était pour toi, maman. Pour toi, Mary Park, qui a toujours été et sera toujours *ma* Mary, pleine de grâce.

Margaret-Anne (Maggie) Park

Samedi 1er juin 2024 Les Chanteurs Stairwell Concert - Affiche

Concert du printemps 2024
Les Chanteurs Stairwell
samedi 1er juin à 19h30

Achetez vos billets en ligne ICI

Un organisme de bienfaisance canadien enregistré, les Chanteurs Stairwell aide également les organismes de bienfaisance locaux avec les bénéfices nets des ventes de billets de concert, de CD, de téléchargements numériques et de streaming. Depuis 1997, nous avons fait don de plus de 143 800 $ à des œuvres caritatives et bourses d'études locales.À propos Les Chanteurs Stairwell :Pierre Massie a créé notre chorale a cappella en 1977 alors qu'il était étudiant en musique à l'Université d'Ottawa. Avec des victoires aux concours de l'Ontario Music Festival Association en 2010 et 2013, nous sommes classés parmi les meilleurs chœurs de l'Ontario.

Friday Night Thoughts (directing Bogoroditse Devo)

2024-05-17T13:21:00.003-04:00

Maggie directs Bogoroditse Devo - Stairwell Carollers

Tonight, I got to be the bard – the teller of tales, the maker of stories.

At our workshop, I had the pleasure of conducting Bogoroditse Devo…. And without really thinking, it became performance art. I stood in the centre of the circle and let my soul take me through the subtle dance that is this magnificent piece of music.

Maggie, a bit overcome

For many years, this piece by Rachmaninoff has been one of my favourites. I enjoy Russian music immensely, and Rachmaninoff manages to touch the core of my being more than most. The exquisite sweeping melody lines that reach out to the Blessed Virgin are like the wings of angels touching the earth. The text can loosely be translated as follows:

Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God,

Mary full of grace, the Lord is with Thee.

Blessed art Thee among women,

And blessed is the Fruit of Thy womb,

For Thou has borne the Saviour of our souls.

This is a slight rewording of the more familiar “Hail Mary”:

Hail Mary, full of grace,

The Lord is with thee;

Blessed art thou among women

And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,

Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

I cannot express my joy and gratitude at being able to conduct this piece with such a gifted group of singers. Something profound came over me, and together we all became the music – it was like a dance, with me in the centre having the power to lead everyone. My arms became like wings, touching and guiding this choir of angels as we soared in this beautiful tribute to a higher power. The tapestry of blended voices evoked both colour and depth of feeling, and it was one of the most amazing moments of my life.

This one was for you, Mom. For you, Mary Park, always were and always will be *my* Mary, full of grace.

Margaret-Anne (Maggie) Park

Sat June 1st 2024 Stairwell Caroller Concert - Poster

The Stairwell Carollers 2024 Spring Concert Saturday, June 1st at 7:30 pm

Get your tickets online HERE

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert tickets, CDs, Digital Downloads and Streaming sales. Since 1997 we have donated over $143,800 to local charities and scholarships.

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Stairwell Carollers Spring Concert, Sat, June 1st 2024 at 7:30 pm

2024-05-04T18:52:00.001-04:00

Prima Vera ~ The Stairwell Carollers 2024 Spring Choral Concert

After an amazing weekend of choral workshops with choral technician Gabriel Lewis O’Connor, the Stairwell Carollers now are looking forward to their Spring Concert, Saturday, June 1st 2024 at 7:30 pm.

Gabe leads the Stairwell Carollers at weekend choral workshops

Lots of new Stairwellers at our workshops

For this concert the choir is returning to St. Barnabas Church, 70 James Street Ottawa, Ontario Canada, where they recorded their CD, Cantate Domino ( Sacred songs from the Renaissance).

👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

Get your tickets online HERE

Dress rehearsal for our 2023 Spring Concert at St Barnabas

The Stairwell Carollers 2023 St Barnabas concert

Posts to come about the fantastic workshops with Gabe and all our new singers in the Stairwell!

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Stairwell Caroller Fun Facts - Choral Auditions this Week - Email us!

2023-08-27T15:59:00.001-04:00

The early bee gets the honey!

Yeah, I know, they MAKE honey. They actually gather pollen and nectar.

Any way...

Don't miss your chance to be a member of Ottawa's Stairwell Carollers! Choral Auditions this Wednesday August 30th for our 2023 Christmas season of song.

Contact Holly at info(at)stairwellcarollers.com to set up an audition time.

Did you know...

- we have two Christmas concerts planned for 2023 At Southminster and St Columba

- During the pandemic, the Stairwell Carollers performed as a virtual choir on YouTube . Director Massie edited together the virtual concert from choir members’ video submissions. “Singing alone at home is nothing like performing for a live audience,” says Massie. “Now that we’re back to in-person rehearsals, it’s been gratifying to hear our voices come together in harmony again and enjoy the camaraderie and social interaction unique to a small choral ensemble.”

- The Stairwell Carollers are now in an active search for new voices with a focus on adding several more voices in their tenor and bass sections.

- In-person auditions will be held by appointment Wed August 30th 2023 at St Columba church. Xmas Season startup is on Sept 6.

- A solid voice, a good ear and a great attitude are all candidates need to qualify. Reading music is an asset but not a necessity.

- The Stairwell Carollers has more than 1500 YouTube channel subscribers !!!

The Stairwell Carollers 2023 Spring concert - photo credit, Drew Gragg

About The Stairwell Carollers:

STAIRWELL CAROLLERS 2023 Spring Choral Concert MADRIGAL, Smashing Success!

2023-07-29T15:32:00.001-04:00

photo credit Drew Gragg

New Singers in the Stairwell!

Pierre Massie and his award-winning a cappella choir, The Stairwell Carollers, hosted an evening of choral masterpieces from the 16th century to present day. We saw so many old friends who said they enjoyed our springtime musical smorgasbord, with songs in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Latin and Gaelic.

photo credit Drew Gragg

The Stairwell Carollers, now celebrating their 46th year singing in the National Capital Region, is also proud to introduce five new singers for this season! Irina, Lisseth, Rita, Kristy and Lance - altos, sopranos and a tenor!

photo credit Drew Gragg

We returned to one of our favourite singing spaces, Saint Barnabas Church at 70 James St. Ottawa for our Spring '23 concert, Saturday, June 3rd, 2023. It was a a "masks optional" performance - our first since 2019!

"Madrigal", a welcome introduction to spring program included choral gems by Dowland, Costeley, Palestrina, de Lassus, Poulenc, Bairstow and Gjello. It also featured Pierre Massie's "Verbum Patris umanatur" and "F'hir a' bhàta" a traditional Gaelic folk song by Sìne NicFhionnlaigh.

This concert was also the farewell performance for one of our long time singers, Helen, who recently switched up from alto to singing tenor alongside Pete. We wish her all the best in her future adventures, traveling the world with her husband in their retirement. Much love Helen, you can never be replaced!

Helen and Tina - longtime alto stairwellers - photo credit Drew Gragg

To learn more about the Stairwell Carollers, visit https://www.stairwellcarollers.com/en/home/

And to hear the Carollers singing, visit our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/user/StairwellCarollers

FALL SEASON AUDITIONS COMING UP! END OF AUGUST - email Holly at info@stairwellcarollers.com to set up your time.

The Stairwell Carollers is a registered Canadian charity.

Net proceeds benefit local Ottawa Gatineau charities.

Welcome to our new Singers in the Stairwell!

2023-03-20T15:42:00.006-04:00

Our workshop co-ordinator/soprano/morale officer, Annika, organized a Valentine Social after choir rehearsal this past Valentine's day.

A wonderful chance to get to know some of our new Stairwellers!

Welcome! Irina, Rita, Lance, Lisseth and Kristy - who will be singing with us for the first time this spring! Concert TBA.

And a belated welcome to Evelyn and Dante who sang with us Xmas 2022 and have continued on as Stairwell Carollers.

Our hopes you all will make this your choral home for many seasons to come!

Valentines colours grace the Stairwell.

We always enjoy singing in John Stewart Hall, the circle is our natural formation for the best rehearsal!

Pierre, Director, muses over the music.

All eyes on the director! LOL he's at the center, hidden from the camera's view.

Irina's smile shines through the mask :)

Sopranos, new and veteran Stairwellers enjoy the rehearsals no matter how rigorous.

Our next round of Auditions will be at the end of August 2023.

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Auditions this Wednesday for the Stairwell Carollers - email us NOW!

2023-01-21T14:22:00.004-05:00

Pierre was just interviewed on Rogers Daytime by Derick Fage @Derick.Fage

Here is the interview. Maybe it will answer some of your questions, if you are considering auditioning!

We are looking for all voices! Sopranos, Tenors, Basses and Altos.

Email us now info@stairwellcarollers.com to book you time this Wed evening, Jan 25th Hope to hear from you!

Spring 2023 Auditions - Sing with us!

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Director Pierre Featured in the Ottawa Citizen - and Concert Reviews

2022-12-30T16:33:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Lynn Saxberg, Arts editor of the Ottawa Citizen newspaper for the wonderful interview with Pierre which graced the cover of the Arts section on Saturday Dec 3rd!

This assured a successful Christmas concert season for the choir. Both concerts at Southminster United Church and St. Columba Anglican were packed (with a little space considering the pandemic)

Early reviews of the concerts state unequivocally that the masks did not get in the way of the sound.

What a relief to hear!

Dec 14, 2022 - David Rain

What a delight it was to hear you guys live last nite, after such a long gap!

So many familiar carols, I found it really tough to resist singing along, having memorized most of the tenor parts of course. 😊

It was really cool to hear you sing Carol of the Bells in Ukrainian, hope that becomes a lasting tradition.

My other favourites were Personent Hodie, En el portel (you guys were rocking!), Un flambeau, Dors ma colombe, and then it is a toss up for me which I liked better, they were both so good: Psallite or the Breton carol, a real winner, that one should come back again too!

The imaginative concert program design was just about the best I’ve seen, Dr Brynaert, I presume?

Keith, your song introductions were brilliant, and there were lots of chuckles in my

section toward the back.

And Holly, your “cloaking devices” have definitely stood the test of time, and with

the matching masks, you all looked great on stage.

Speaking of masks, I take mine off to salute you all, having been to 6 choral concerts this year, I have observed how tough it can be to sing just one a cappella piece with masks, but a whole program, that’s a major physical achievement, on its own terms. Plus, you achieved what few others could, a really good articulation of the words, you must have worked long and hard on that.

Again, thank you for a wonderful experience last nite, shared by a couple hundred

other souls, so glad you got a full house.

Greetings to all!

David

Dec 14, 2022 - MC, Keith Bailey

Thank you for the invitation to MC the Christmas concerts. Such an honour for me; it's greatly appreciated.

I was amazed at the quality of singing (and for almost 90 minutes!) through those damp and muffling masks. Well done everyone. The repertoire was perfectly chosen for the occasion and locations.

Please convey my congratulations and appreciation to Pierre, the Steering Committee, and the members.

With my best wishes to you all for Christmas and The New Year,

Keith

Spring 2023 Auditions - Sing with us!

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Southminster Concert was the perfect start to my Christmas season!

2022-12-11T14:59:00.009-05:00

Our first Xmas concert in 3 years was about to happen! I was a bit concerned about the look of the masks with our cheerful Christmassy cloaks, but no worries we were still cute as buttons ( cloak buttons that is) .

The sound was not affected either by the masks, according to our MC (former bass, but forever Stairweller, Keith). Thanks for being a great MC! We love you!

Warmup time! Pete runs us though the beginnings of all the songs before we go on and hums the first note of the first carol to us all the way till we enter.

What a great beginning to a new chapter! Southminster was a resounding success! A lovely, warm and generous audience (even some in the choir loft!) and our new members shone!

Denyse said it best " I don't know how long I've been in the choir, it's many years, but this is a brand new choir! And all the new people are Stairwell Carollers just like me! This is your choir"

I just realized our green caroling cloaks are 24 years old!

I made them 24 years ago!!! Oh... my... goodness...

Well, not ALL of them. Some were made through the years as the group grew larger, but they have weathered very well, and still look fresh and festive. Vogue patterns are the BEST!

Oh, and you may have noticed, the men are in much newer black cloaks - about ten years ago we needed more and surprise - the green fleece was NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

I was freaking out at that point. We made an executive decision - I think it was Pete who said we could just use black for the guys - luckily the red fleece was still available.

Here is a link to a blog post I did about making the cloaks

But, I digress...

More thanks are in order!

Thanks to David Ayer (bass) and his crew for lighting and tech setup!

No pics of the concert yet, but we have video "in the can" thanks to Michèle Auger, with closeups by Drew. Combined with professional audio recorded by our old friend Tom Barnes, Pierre will create YouTube videos to upload for next Christmas. I'll try to pull some stills to post from the video if no photos were taken.

And, many many thanks to our CD table and front of house people, headed by Matthieu Brennan.

Looking forward to our final concert of 2022 - this Wednesday at 7:30, St. Columba church 24 Sandridge Rd. Ottawa.

Online is almost SOLD OUT !

LAST CHANCE Tickets at the door $25 - NO RESERVED SEATING, doors open at 7:00pm.

See you there!

Auditions - Join us!

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Stream Carols for Christmas - Vol 1, 2 and NEW Vol 3 - the Stairwell Carollers ONLY FROM US!

2022-11-23T14:55:00.007-05:00

DID YOU KNOW....

A wide selection of the Stairwell Carollers beautiful music is available for streaming on your favourite streaming service!

Wow, right?

NEW FOR 2022, Carols for Christmas Volume 3

STREAM ON SPOTIFY

Spotify - The Stairwell Carollers

Spotify - Pierre Massie and The Stairwell Carollers

STREAM ON APPLE MUSIC

Apple music - The Stairwell Carollers

Apple Music - Pierre Massie

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD PURCHASE ON ITUNES

NOT AVAILABLE FROM 3RD PARTY WEBSITES

DON'T BE SCAMMED

As always, funds from music streams go directly to the Stairwell Caroller charity.

Auditions - Join us!

About The Stairwell Carollers:

New to the Stairwell, and loving it!

2022-11-23T13:59:00.003-05:00

New Stairwell Carollers - Cathy and Celina

Cathy: It is such a pleasure to sing with the Stairwell Carollers! I joined through audition a couple of months ago.

Celina: Stairwell Carollers is the first a capella choir where I participate, therefore, it’s challenging, but amazing at the same time.

What’s your first impression of our director and founder of the choir, Pierre Massie?

Cathy: Pierre Massie is a retired music teacher who has been directing the choir for 45 years now. He has a great deal of musical experience and is very dedicated to the choir.

Celina: I feel that only in 3 months my level has improved... and I still have a lot of work to do!

How do you like our repertoire for Christmas 2022?

Cathy: The repertoire is wonderful. The music is challenging and fun but not extremely difficult. Pierre is a talented composer and has written or arranged some of the beautiful pieces himself. Choir members are encouraged to give their input into the repertoire for the next term.

Could you describe the choir in a few words?

Cathy: I would describe the choir as an advanced, high-caliber choir.

Celina: It’s being a long time since I was in a choir where I had to practice almost every day, but when our voices mix together, the result is so beautiful that all the effort is worth it!

First impressions of being a Stairweller?

Cathy: We are expected to gain a preliminary grasp of the music on our own, with the help of recordings and music software, which allows us to isolate our own part and reduce the speed, as necessary. Our time in rehearsals focuses on dynamics, working through difficult parts and polishing the sound.

Celina: My very first time singing with the choir I was super impressed of the quality of the voices and how everybody puts a big effort to be prepared for the rehearsals.

What’s the organization of the chorale like?

Cathy: Everything is extremely well organized. Members know dates of concerts and rehearsals far in advance and a weekly update from the director keeps everyone well informed. At the beginning of the term, members are told specifically which pieces will be worked on at each rehearsal, which makes it much easier to prepare.

Celina: I am impressed with the way our together time every week is more productive (compared to other choirs where I sang with in the past).

Tell me some things you really love about the choir so far.

Cathy: Over the years, the choir has given a significant amount of money towards scholarships and donations to local charities.
It is a well-disciplined choir. Everyone is very friendly, but chatting during rehearsals is kept to a minimum. The choir makes efforts to welcome newcomers and social events are being planned so that members get to know each other.

Celina: I’m very grateful for the patience that the carollers have with my volume, with my accent, with my high notes, thank you everybody for contributing and help me somehow to become a real caroller at the same level!

Auditions - Join us!

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Noël en 7 langues chanté a cappella - Concerts - Les Chanteurs Stairwell

2022-11-15T14:00:00.004-05:00

2022 CONCERTS NOËL

le samedi 10 décembre

Église unie Southminster,

15, avenue Aylmer, Ottawa, 19h30

Obtenir des billets pour le samedi 10 décembre

le mercredi 14 décembre

Église anglicane St. Columba,

24, rue Sandridge, Ottawa, 19h30.

Obtenir des billets pour le mercredi 14 décembre

Obtenez nos enregistrements professionnels ICI

NOS CD ET MP3 SERONT DISPONIBLES À L'ACHAT À TOUS NOS CONCERTS

Au sujet des Chanteurs Stairwell:

C'est en 1977 que notre ensemble vocal naît de l'initiative de Pierre Massie, un étudiant en musique à l'Université d'Ottawa. En tant que lauréats des concours de l'Ontario Music Festival Association de 2010 et 2013, nous pouvons affirmer que nous nous classons parmi les meilleures chorales de l'Ontario.

Nous sommes un organisme de bienfaisance canadien enregistré et les recettes de nos concerts, de la vente de CD, de téléchargements et de streaming nous permettent d'aider notre communauté. Ainsi, depuis 1997, nous avons remis plus de 143 800 $ en dons à des organismes caritatifs locaux et en bourses d'études.

2022 Stairwell Caroller CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS - Dec 10th, 14th

2022-11-14T14:04:00.004-05:00

Saturday December 10
Southminster United Church,
15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa, 7:30pm.

Wednesday December 14
St. Columba Church,
24 Sandridge Rd, Ottawa, 7:30pm.

2022 CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DEC 10TH
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DEC 14TH

Get our professional recordings HERE.

OUR CDS AND MP3S WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT ALL OUR CONCERTS

About The Stairwell Carollers:

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert tickets, CD and cookbook sales. Since 1997 we have donated over $143,800 to local charities and scholarships.

O nata lux - Christmas Carols LIVE - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

2022-11-09T15:32:00.005-05:00

NEW FOR CHRISTMAS 2022
/ NOUVEAU POUR 2022 NOËL
O nata lux - Christmas Carols LIVE
Our second LIVE in concert Virtual CD specially produced to celebrate the Stairwell Carollers 45th Anniversary. Only available as an MP3 digital download.
No waiting, no shipping!

2022 CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DEC 10TH
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DEC 14TH
About The Stairwell Carollers:
Pierre Massie created our a cappella choir in 1977 while he was a music student at Ottawa University. With wins in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competitions, we are ranked among the best of Ontario choirs.
A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert tickets, CD and cookbook sales. Since 1997 we have donated over $143,800 to local charities and scholarships.

Atelier Chorale du Printemps 2022 - avec Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor

2022-10-21T16:20:00.004-04:00

À la fin avril 2022, les chanteurs Stairwell accueillaient Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor, grand professionel du chant choral et ancien membre de Chanticleer, pour un atelier de chant.

En fait, Gabe, tel qu'il est connu bien affectueusement par les choristes, est déjà venu pour des ateliers avec les chanteurs Stairwell en 2018 et en 2019. Cette fois-ci, c'est en 2022, après plusieurs mois d'isolement et de défis de toutes sortes que vous connaissez bien. Pour rien au monde les membres de la chorale et son directeur, Pierre Massie, ne manqueraient cette occasion de passer quelques jours avec Gabe.

Et moi, je suis nouvelle choriste avec les Chanteurs Stairwell et pas très sûre de moi, d'ailleurs. Toute la chorale se réjouit et attend l'arrivée de Gabe avec impatience. Un grand spécialiste, avec un doctorat en "choral conducting". Ouille! Non mais, dans quoi je me suis embarquée? Mais bon, je respire, je garde un esprit ouvert et, finalement, ce n'est qu'un weekend...

Vous pensez deviner où je vais en venir... Que l'atelier a été tout simplement GÉNIAL, que ma performance s'est améliorée de 150 %, que les "blues" de la pandémie se sont évaporés. Pas tout à fait... Oui, Gabe est génial comme enseignant. Authentique et sincère, il partage son expertise avec humour, humilité et simplicité, de façon à joindre tous les membres de la chorale. Tout en respectant l'excellent travail de Pierre, Gabe nous a aidé à retravailler les chants pour le concert du printemps, et parfois à les imaginer autrement. Ce workshop, c'était aussi plein de petits trucs pratiques, qui reviennent régulièrement pendant nos pratiques du mercredi soir. Toujours intimidée? Euh, oui, mais j'ai aussi beaucoup aimé l'expérience. On a travaillé fort, mais on a aussi beaucoup ri et on a partagé d'excellents repas (à l'extérieur, évidemment). Les défis de la pandémie ne nous ont pas quittés, mais quel "boost" pour le moral et l'énergie du groupe.

À quand le prochain workshop?

par: Anita Beaudette

**********************************************************************************

JOIGNEZ-NOUS!

CLIQUEZ CI-DESSUS
POUR LES DÉTAILS

Ramassage des commandes de CD dans Ottawa.

Au sujet des Chanteurs Stairwell:

Choral Workshop with Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor - a Soprano's Take

2022-10-21T16:07:00.003-04:00

At the end of April 2022, the Stairwell Carollers did a choral workshop with invited guest Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor, professional choral director and former member of Chanticleer.

Gabe, as he is affectionately known by the choir, had done masterclasses with the Carollers back in 2018 and 2019. After months of pandemic isolation he returned in 2022. Nothing in the world would stop the choir members and their director, Pierre Massie, from missing an opportunity to spend several days with Gabe.

So, here I am, new chorister with the Stairwell Carollers, and not particularly sure of myself. Choir members patiently await Gabe's arrival. He's a master, a specialist in his field, with a doctorate in choral conducting?

Ooof. Really?

What am I getting myself into here? I'm fine...take a deep breath, keep an open mind, after all, it's only one weekend...

Can you guess where I'm going with this? The workshop was just SUPERB, my performance improved by 150%, and the pandemic blues became a thing of the past. Well, not quite! Yes, Gabe is a master professor for sure. Genuine and sincere, he shares his expertise with humour, humility and simplicity, in a way that reaches everyone and unites the choir in song. While respecting Pierre's excellent work, Gabe helped us hone our spring repertoire and sometimes, imagine the songs in a different way. The workshop was also full of practical tips that come up regularly at our Wednesday evening rehearsals.

Still intimidated? Uh, of course, but I also loved the experience. We worked hard, but we also laughed a lot and shared some amazing food (outdoors, of course). The pandemic-related challenges we face are still with us, but what a boost to the group's morale and energy level!

When's the next workshop?

by: Anita Beaudette

**********************************************************************************

JOIN US

↑FOR AN OPEN REHEARSAL

Wed Nov 2nd 2022↑

OTTAWA AREA PICK UP FOR CD PURCHASES!

About The Stairwell Carollers:

The Stairwell Carollers OPEN REHEARSAL - Wednesday Nov 2nd 2022 - all welcome!

2022-10-09T13:12:00.002-04:00

The Stairwell Carollers are holding an OPEN REHEARSAL Wednesday evening, Nov 2nd 2022 from 6:30 PM (EDT) to 9:00 PM (EDT). Please REGISTER HERE

EN FRANÇAIS

Come join the fun and hear who we are as we rehearse. Everyone is invited.

It's a great opportunity for anyone interested in joining our group to see how we do things.

Come do warm-ups, learn about singing choral music from Director Pierre Massie - and sing along from the pews.

Register yourself by purchasing a free ticket here. Rehearsal is at St. Columba Anglican Church, 24 Sandridge Rd, Manor Park, Ottawa.

COVID protocols

We ask that you sit in the church pew social distanced. The carollers wear masks when rehearsing. We strongly request the participants wear a mask.

The Stairwell Carollerscarollers@rogers.com

About The Stairwell Carollers:

The Stairwell Carollers Sing - Il Bianco e Dolce Cigno - live concert - YouTube video

2022-08-30T16:01:00.004-04:00

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform “ Il bianco e dolce cigno”, a melodious Renaissance madrigal by Jacques Arcadelt. You can find the lyrics HERE. Performed live in concert at St. Columba Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 4, 2022 and recorded live.

This version of Il bianco e dolce cigno is on our “Audite nova” recording. All our recordings benefit charities and are available on our website in both CD and MP3 formats.

Recorded at St. Columba Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 4, 2022.

Videographers: Michèle Auger, Drew Mason

Video Editing: Pierre Massie

This beautiful choral piece is in the Public Domain! You can get it for your choir HERE for FREE on CPDL (Choral Public Domain Library)

Get our professional recordings HERE.

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Au joli jeu, a Renaissance Madrigal by Clément Jannequin - YouTube - Auditions August 24th 2022

2022-08-07T16:19:00.010-04:00

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform the Spicy madrigal Au joli jeu by Clément Jannequin.

This version of Au joli jeu is on our Audite nova recording. All our music benefits local charities and our albums are available to buy on our Square store in both CD and MP3 formats.

Get our professional recordings here

Visit our website!

Recorded at St. Columba Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 4, 2022.

Videographers: Michèle Auger, Drew Mason

Editing: Pierre Massie

In Person Auditions Set for August 24th 2022 - we are especially searching for tenor and bass voices. Also soprano. Email Holly info(at)stairwellcarollers.com to set up your audition time.

About The Stairwell Carollers:

O vos omnes by Tomas Luis de Victoria - Ottawa Stairwell Carollers choir - YouTube

2022-08-02T15:27:00.002-04:00

Having been on Youtube for over 12 years now, the Stairwell Carollers has fought a few battles over copyright. Not the silliest being ones for our Director, Pierre's own original compositions!

Sure enough, we uploaded our video of O vos omnes by Tomas Luis de Victoria from our Spring concert last June. Bam. A copyright notice!

For an obviously Public Domain piece!

There are scammers everywhere, and YouTube is not by any means free of them. (Imagine trying to get a piece of our already meagre YouTube earnings.)

Of course, I am disputing it. Details to come... (I'm usually successful fighting these fakes)

Here it is!

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform O vos omnes by Tomas Luis de Victoria.

O vos omnes is on our “Cantate Domino” recording. Net proceeds from our music benefits local charities. You can purchase or songs on our website in both CD and MP3 formats. Get our professional recordings here.. https://stairwell-carollers-buy-christmas-carol-cds-music.square.site

Visit our website

Recorded at St. Columba Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 4, 2022.

Videographers: Michèle Auger, Drew Mason

Video Editing: Pierre Massie

Auditions ongoing until end of August 2022 - we are especially searching for tenor and bass voices. Also soprano.

Email Holly info(at)stairwellcarollers.com to set up your virtual audition time.

About The Stairwell Carollers:

The Stairwell Carollers Choir Blog

Preparing for a Christmas of Song - from our Director

TONIGHT! Stairwell Carollers Spring 2025 choral Concert

Choral Workshop with Gabriel Lewis-O'Conner a Transformative Experience

The Stairwell Carollers welcomes new singers to the Stairwell for Spring 2025!

Ottawa’s Stairwell Carollers Auditioning Tenors for Spring 2025!

Réflexions Du Vendredi Soir - Bogoroditse Devo

Concert du printemps 2024 Les Chanteurs Stairwell samedi 1er juin à 19h30

Achetez vos billets en ligne ICI

Friday Night Thoughts (directing Bogoroditse Devo)

The Stairwell Carollers 2024 Spring Concert Saturday, June 1st at 7:30 pm

Stairwell Carollers Spring Concert, Sat, June 1st 2024 at 7:30 pm

👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

Posts to come about the fantastic workshops with Gabe and all our new singers in the Stairwell!

Stairwell Caroller Fun Facts - Choral Auditions this Week - Email us!

The early bee gets the honey!

Don't miss your chance to be a member of Ottawa's Stairwell Carollers! Choral Auditions this Wednesday August 30th for our 2023 Christmas season of song.

Did you know...

STAIRWELL CAROLLERS 2023 Spring Choral Concert MADRIGAL, Smashing Success!

FALL SEASON AUDITIONS COMING UP! END OF AUGUST - email Holly at info@stairwellcarollers.com to set up your time.

Welcome to our new Singers in the Stairwell!

Auditions this Wednesday for the Stairwell Carollers - email us NOW!

Director Pierre Featured in the Ottawa Citizen - and Concert Reviews

Southminster Concert was the perfect start to my Christmas season!

Stream Carols for Christmas - Vol 1, 2 and NEW Vol 3 - the Stairwell Carollers ONLY FROM US!

NEW FOR 2022, Carols for Christmas Volume 3

NOT AVAILABLE FROM 3RD PARTY WEBSITES

DON'T BE SCAMMED

As always, funds from music streams go directly to the Stairwell Caroller charity.

New to the Stairwell, and loving it!

New Stairwell Carollers - Cathy and Celina

Noël en 7 langues chanté a cappella - Concerts - Les Chanteurs Stairwell

NOS CD ET MP3 SERONT DISPONIBLES À L'ACHAT À TOUS NOS CONCERTS

2022 Stairwell Caroller CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS - Dec 10th, 14th

Saturday December 10Southminster United Church,15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa, 7:30pm.

Wednesday December 14St. Columba Church,24 Sandridge Rd, Ottawa, 7:30pm.2022 CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTSGET YOUR TICKETS FOR DEC 10THGET YOUR TICKETS FOR DEC 14TH

OUR CDS AND MP3S WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT ALL OUR CONCERTS

O nata lux - Christmas Carols LIVE - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

No waiting, no shipping!

2022 CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

Atelier Chorale du Printemps 2022 - avec Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor

Choral Workshop with Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor - a Soprano's Take

↑FOR AN OPEN REHEARSAL

Wed Nov 2nd 2022↑

The Stairwell Carollers OPEN REHEARSAL - Wednesday Nov 2nd 2022 - all welcome!

The Stairwell Carollers are holding an OPEN REHEARSAL Wednesday evening, Nov 2nd 2022 from 6:30 PM (EDT) to 9:00 PM (EDT). Please REGISTER HERE

Come join the fun and hear who we are as we rehearse. Everyone is invited.

COVID protocols

The Stairwell Carollers Sing - Il Bianco e Dolce Cigno - live concert - YouTube video

Au joli jeu, a Renaissance Madrigal by Clément Jannequin - YouTube - Auditions August 24th 2022

In Person Auditions Set for August 24th 2022 - we are especially searching for tenor and bass voices. Also soprano. Email Holly info(at)stairwellcarollers.com to set up your audition time.

O vos omnes by Tomas Luis de Victoria - Ottawa Stairwell Carollers choir - YouTube

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform O vos omnes by Tomas Luis de Victoria.

Auditions ongoing until end of August 2022 - we are especially searching for tenor and bass voices. Also soprano.

Concert du printemps 2024
Les Chanteurs Stairwell
samedi 1er juin à 19h30

Saturday December 10
Southminster United Church,
15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa, 7:30pm.

Wednesday December 14
St. Columba Church,
24 Sandridge Rd, Ottawa, 7:30pm.

2022 CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DEC 10TH
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DEC 14TH