Friday, October 21, 2022

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

Gabrial Lewis-O'Connor leads the sopranos in an unusual choral exercise

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.

Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor, choral specialist

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.

Pierre, director of the Stairwell Carollers, had a lot to discuss 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.

Gabe makes a point - "Sing soft - but LOUD"

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!

Terry and Matthieu serve as sommeliers at Choir brunch after the workshops

When's the next workshop?

by: Anita Beaudette

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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.