40 Years of Stairwell Carolling Revealed!

Our Founder and Director, Pierre Massie, started our group in 1977 - where we sang Christmas carols in the stairwells of residences at the University of Ottawa during exam time.  The eight of us would start at the top of the residence stairwell and work our way to the bottom. Students came out from their rooms to listen to the carols and would follow us as we went down from floor to floor, our voices helped out by the echo of the stairwell.  We sang throughout our hometown of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - in malls, for parking lot attendants, and even on buses. We had a great time carolling in the Byward Market and on Sparks street too - lots of amazing memories.

In the early 80's, we were carolling at Bayshore shopping center and Gord Atkinson - then the voice of CFMO radio - heard us. Right then he asked us to sing live on CFMO for their Christmas Exchange Telethon.  It was during this first appearance on radio with Gord that our group got its name. Right before the broadcast, he asked us "what should I call you folks - what's the group's name?" Up till then, we were only ten Christmas Carollers with no name.  Dawn, soprano, piped up with "The Stairwell Carollers" and the name stuck.  Personally, I love our moniker since it harks back to the choir's beginnings - singing in the residence stairwells for fellow U. of Ottawa students.  

In 1986, Gord - with CFMO - produced our first real recording, a fundraising vinyl album in aid of Ronald McDonald House. an initiative which raised over $53,000.

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.

Ach, weh des Leiden - The Stairwell Carollers, Youtube video

Ach, weh des Leiden, a sorrowful German Renaissance madrigal by Hans Leo Hassler, is performed by The Stairwell Carollers and guest, Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor.

This 40th anniversary concert was the grand finale of a weekend workshop event with  Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor ( Chanticleer alumnus and professional singer and choral conductor).  Three Glebe Collegiate choirs joined Stairwell  in preliminary workshops hosted by Gabriel at the Galilee Centre.

Audio: Wayne Hawthorne.  Recorded at St. Chrysostom Church, Arnprior, Ontario, Canada, May 5th, 2018. (Date is wrong on video)
Videographer: Matthieu Brennan
Video Editing: Pierre Massie

Ottawa MASTERCLASS with Gabriel Lewis O’Connor 

Gabe is currently a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and received his master’s degree from the same institution, studying with Dr. Robert Bode.

Read more about Gabe HERE.

Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor in workshop with Stairwell and the Glebe choirs

Prior to graduate school, he sang for four years, with the professional vocal ensemble Chanticleer.

To participate in The Masterclass you must…

1. Be a CURRENT OR FORMER MEMBER of any Greater Ottawa/Gatineau region choir.
2. Prepare the following three songs -

(Scores provided at registration – files are provided for practice purposes only)

Fa una canzone – Orazio Vecchi – Public domain

Tourdion (Quand je bois du vin) – Pierre Attaignant – Public domain

Remember – Stephen Chatman – copyright – Original scores provided at registration

MASTERCLASS DETAILS

Date: Saturday May 18. 2019

Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)

Cost: $25 

All music scores included in your registration package

Location: Saint Joseph Parish Hall, 2757 St. Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON K1C 1G4

At the moment of publishing this post we have room for 46 more participants; first come, first serve.

If sold out, email us.  Your name will be added to our cancellation list.

Click on the Canada Helps logo to register. Deadline is May 15, 2019

Click here to Register now

Workshop hosted by The Stairwell Carollers chamber choir - furthering choral excellence and development in Ottawa's choral community now for over 41 years. 

About The Stairwell Carollers:

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

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Eya, eya, gaudeamus - P. Massie - Choral Workshop with Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor - sign up now!

Sopranos Zaena and Suzannah relax before dress rehearsal

Can't express how thrilled I am to post this rendition of Pete's original, award-winning composition Eya, eya, gaudeamus! Gabe was such a gracious choral teacher - generous with his knowledge and expertise and then blending in with the choir as if he had always been just another member of the group.

I couldn't resist including this lovely portrait of two of our sopranos, Zaena and Suzannah.

Eya, eya, gaudeamus - sung by The Stairwell Carollers and guest, Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor.
The Stairwell Carollers 40th anniversary concert, May 5, 2018. (Date is wrong on video)

This concert was the grand finale of a weekend workshop event with  Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor ( Chanticleer alumnus and professional singer and choral conductor).  Three choirs from Glebe Collegiate and Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor joined The Stairwell Carollers  in workshops at the Galilee Centre and in concert.

Audio: Wayne Hawthorne.  Recorded at St. Chrysostom Church, Arnprior, Ontario, Canada, May 5th, 2018. (Date is wrong on video). 
Videographer: Matthieu Brennan
Video Editing: Pierre Massie

Ottawa MASTERCLASS with Gabriel Lewis O’Connor 

Only 46 spots left!

(formerly of Chanticleer)

Gabe is currently a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and received his master’s degree from the same institution, studying with Dr. Robert Bode.

Read more about Gabe HERE.

Prior to graduate school, he sang for four years, with the professional vocal ensemble Chanticleer.

To participate in The Masterclass you must…

1. Be a CURRENT OR FORMER MEMBER of any Greater Ottawa/Gatineau region choir.
2. Prepare the following three songs -

(Scores provided at registration – files are provided for practice purposes)

Fa una canzone – Orazio Vecchi – Public domain

Tourdion (Quand je bois du vin) – Pierre Attaignant – Public domain

Remember – Stephen Chatman – copyright – Original scores provided at registration

MASTERCLASS DETAILS

Date: Saturday May 18. 2019

Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)

Cost: $25 

All music scores included in your registration package

Location: Saint Joseph Parish Hall, 2757 St. Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON K1C 1G4

At the moment of publishing this post we have room for 46 more participants; first come, first serve.

If sold out, email us.  Your name will be added to our cancellation list.

Click on the Canada Helps logo to register. Deadline is May 15, 2019

Click here to Register now

Only 46 spots left!

Workshop hosted by The Stairwell Carollers chamber choir - furthering choral excellence and development in Ottawa's choral community now for over 41 years. 

About The Stairwell Carollers:

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

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert, CD and cookbook sales.

My Bonny Lass - Thomas Morley - Stairwell Carollers Youtube concert video

Stairwell Alto, Katherine, multitasks during a dress rehearsal break.

The Stairwell Carollers perform with guest, Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor, singing the lively renaissance madrigal, My Bonny Lass (Thomas Morley.)

Our 40th anniversary concert was the grand finale of a weekend workshop event with Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor - professional singer and choral conductor (formerly of Chanticleer).  Three choirs from Glebe Collegiate and Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor joined The Stairwell Carollers in workshops at the Galilee Centre and in concert. Our thanks to Rachel Handley, Glebe choir director and music teacher.

Audio: Wayne Hawthorne.  Recorded at St. Chrysostom Church, Arnprior, Ontario, Canada, May 5th, 2018. (Date is wrong on video). 
Videographer: Matthieu Brennan
Video Editing: Pierre Massie

Ottawa MASTERCLASS with Gabriel Lewis O’Connor 

Only 46 spots left!

(formerly of Chanticleer)

Gabriel Lewis-O'connor lunches with Director, Pete 

Gabe is currently a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and received his master’s degree from the same institution, studying with Dr. Robert Bode.

Read more about Gabe HERE.

Prior to graduate school, he sang for four years, with the professional vocal ensemble Chanticleer.

To participate in The Masterclass you must…

1. Be a CURRENT OR FORMER MEMBER of any Greater Ottawa/Gatineau region choir.
2. Prepare the following three songs -

(Scores provided at registration – files are provided for practice purposes)

Fa una canzone – Orazio Vecchi – Public domain

Tourdion (Quand je bois du vin) – Pierre Attaignant – Public domain

Remember – Stephen Chatman – copyright – Original scores provided at registration

MASTERCLASS DETAILS

Date: Saturday May 18. 2019

Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)

Cost: $25 

All music scores included in your registration package

Location: Saint Joseph Parish Hall, 2757 St. Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON K1C 1G4

At the moment of publishing this post we have room for 46 more participants; first come, first serve.

If sold out, email us.  Your name will be added to our cancellation list.

Click on the Canada Helps logo to register. Deadline is May 15, 2019

Click here to Register now

Only 46 spots left!

Workshop hosted by The Stairwell Carollers chamber choir - furthering choral excellence and development in Ottawa's choral community now for over 41 years. 

About The Stairwell Carollers:

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

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert, CD and cookbook sales.

The lovely Canadian classic, "Doù viens-tu, bergère?", sung by the Stairwell Carollers - YouTube video

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform the popular French Canadian carol, Doù viens-tu, bergère?, arranged by André Bellefeuille, at their 40th anniversary concert “An all Canadian Christmas”.

Purchase our CDs and help many  Ottawa/Gatineau charities

Audio: Tom Barnes.
Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 15th, 2017.

Videographers: Matthieu Brennan, Andrew Mason


Video Editing: Pierre Massie

About The Stairwell Carollers:

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

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert, CD and cookbook sales.

The Stairwell Carollers sing Bell Carol - YouTube video

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform Bell Carol, by Alfred E. Whitehurst, at their 40th anniversary concert “An all Canadian Christmas”

Buy our CDs and help many  Ottawa/Gatineau charities

Audio: Tom Barnes.
Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 15th, 2017.

Videographers: Matthieu Brennan, Andrew Mason

Video Editing: Pierre Massie

About The Stairwell Carollers:

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

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Top 10 reasons to Audition for Les chanteurs Stairwell Carollers - 5 - Français et Anglais!

Countdown: 

Top 10 reasons to audition for my Ottawa Choir, The Stairwell Carollers / 
Les 10 meilleures raisons d'auditionner pour ma chorale d'Ottawa,  Les chanteurs Stairwell:

5 - You like singing in English and French. Vous aimez chanter en anglais et en français.

We are a proudly bilingual choir and, sometimes, we even sing French and English (and other languages) in the same song! 

NB: the English verse is a John Rutter arrangement.

If you're a soprano, tenor or bass, email info@stairwellcarollers.com to set up your audition time.

Post by David R. and Holly M.

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.

CCPodcast S.2 #14 - Singing in a Humanitarian Key

Pierre Massie and his award-winning choir The Stairwell Carollers will be celebrating the finale of their 40th anniversary season June 2nd at St. Barnabas church, Ottawa.

Choral music fans are in for a treat with a diverse programme of six centuries of music sung in six languages.

The concert will feature Renaissance gems from England, Spain, France and Germany, 19th century pieces like Abendlied by Josef Rheinberger, and modern masterpieces by Lauridsen, Stroope and Gjeilo.

 2018 Spring concert Programme - Eya Eya

Pierre's award-winning “Eya eya gaudeamus” – the title track for the concert – is on the programme, as well as a brand-new arrangement of a medieval song – “In natali Domini” – by fellow Caroller David Rain.

Choral Cacophony Podcast this week is a Sneak Peek of "I am not Yours" - one of the songs you will hear June 2nd.

Pierre rehearses the end of  "I am not Yours" with the choir - makes some correction with the tenors to highlight the melody.

Throughout their 40 years, the Stairwell Carollers have been singing in a humanitarian key. Net proceeds from concerts and CD sales have allowed the Carollers to present donations to dozens of local charities and music scholarships to local high school students totaling over $140,000.

The Carollers are delighted to announce that this year’s $1000 music scholarship will be presented at their June 2 concert to Rayna Crandlemire, a talented singer, who also plays violin, clarinet and piano. Rayna attended De La Salle High School and will be continuing her music education at the University of Toronto this fall, where she has also been awarded a music scholarship. Congratulations Rayna!

A donation of $2000 will also be presented at the June 2nd concert to the Galilee Centre. The Stairwell Carollers have a soft spot in their hearts for Arnrprior’s Galilee Centre. Their special 40th anniversary Retreat was held there in May, with workshops led by the inspiring Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor - a former member of the renowned male chorus Chanticleer.

Hope to see you there!

Tickets ONLY for the June 2nd concert at St. Barnabas:

$15 in advance:

 The Leading Note, 370 Elgin St.

Compact Music, 190 & 785 1/2 Bank St.

Books on Beechwood, 35 Beechwood Ave, 

OR ONLINE

$20 at the door.

The Carollers will make an official presentation of the donation and scholarship grants at their spring concert “Eya eya gaudeamus” at Saint Barnabas Church (corner of James St & Kent St) on June 2nd, 7:30pm.

David Rain, who sings tenor with the Carollers, has been taking his musical cues from the back of Pierre Massie’s head for 25 years.

About our a cappella choir:

Pierre Massie started The Stairwell Carollers in 1977 while studying music at Ottawa University. We are ranked with the best of Ontario choirs, winning both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competitions. 

A registered Canadian charity, Net proceeds of our concert, CD and cookbook sales are gifted to local charities.

Un Week-end en Dehors - Part 2 - Vue du choeur - Denyse

C'était le début de notre atelier.

Debout. Les yeux fermée. Respirations profondes.

Pendant deux minutes.

Gabe, comme nous l'avons affectueusement nommé dès notre rencontre, nous lançait dans l'univers du chant choral. Un ancien Chanticleer, Gabriel Lewis O'Connor arrivait de Seattle pour un «workshop » avec les Stairwell Carollers. Pendant deux jours, nous deviendrions son instrument. Il ferait ce qu'il veut avec nos voix. Crescendo. Decrescendo. Sotto voce. Fortissimo. Sans être un Stradivarius, nous lui offrions une chorale bien préparée par notre maestro. Pierre Massie avait bien aiguisé nos attentes. Les chants préparés pour le concert n'offraient plus de secret au niveau des notes. Gabe pouvait peaufiner le rendement et suggérer de nouvelles interprétations, ce qu'il fit avec humour et respect.

Nous étions charmés comme des enfants et répondions sans restrictions à ses idées nouvelles. Pour El Grillo, il suggéra une voix nasillarde commune à l'époque de sa  création. Pour le chant Ach, wei des Leiden, il insista sur l'importance de savoir ce qu'on chante. Schmerzen. « Douleur » doit être accompagnée par une interprétation qui exprime une peine d'amour. « Si tu me quittes, je meurs » Ça revient à cela. C'est un des chants que nous allions chanter au concert, alors que les deux meilleures chorales du Glebe Collegiate, dirigées par Rachel Handley partageraient le programme de la soirée.

En après-midi du samedi, ces jeunes nous ont donc joints et nous avons poursuivi l'atelier avec eux. Au concert, mon ensemble vocal a interprété cinq chants. Ensuite, ce fut le tour des élèves et finalement, les deux groupes jumelés ont interprété la grande finale. Le clou de la soirée : un solo de Gabriel. O Hostias suivi de O Domine du Requiem de Fauré. Quand tous furent à leur place, on aurait entendu le tic tac d'une horloge tant l'auditoire ne voulait rien manquer. Aucun choriste n'était au bout du rouleau malgré les longues répétitions. Ni jeune, Ni vieux.

Une petite explication s'impose. Le Requiem de Fauré exige la contribution d'un orchestre. Pas de problème. Pierre avait préparé un accompagnement , une harmonisation apprise avec beaucoup d'efforts, mais quelle motivation de chanter avec un ancien Chanticleer. Ce groupe de douze chanteurs américains de réputation internationale charmera Ottawa en juillet lors du festival Musique et autres mondes.

Gabe en a fait partie pendant quatre ans et a participé à cinq cents concerts à travers le monde.

Bref, cette dernière fin de semaine m'a transportée au 7ième ciel. Un ciel bleu sans nuages aucun et ceci fut vrai littéralement. L'endroit où nous étions, Galilee à Arnprior, un ancien couvent des Oblats, est situé au milieu d'une nature luxuriante jouxtant la rivière Ottawa et nous avons joui d'une température magnifique.

Personnelement, j'ai cliqué avec Gabriel Lewis O'Connor. C'est réciproque. Il a perçu ma passion pour le chant. « I love your smile » m'a-t-il lancé pendant la première répétition. J'étais tellement estomachée que j'ai vérifié avec lui s'il s'était bien adressé à moi et non à Maggie juste derrière moi. Elle chante toujours avec beaucoup d'expression. Et non! C'est moi qu'il visait. Ça m'a fait un petit velours, je l'avoue.

Tous et toutes, nous gardons un excellent souvenir de ces heures passées ensemble.

Gabriel a tellement apprécié son expérience qu'il veut revenir dans la région avec sa famille et peut- être même y vivre quand il aura fini son doctorat. Et si c'était vrai?

Denyse Mageau

( English version is HERE)

Part 1 is HERE
Part 3 is HERE

À propos des Chanteurs Stairwell:

Pierre Massie a fondé notre chœur a cappella en 1977 alors qu'il était étudiant en musique à l'Université d'Ottawa.

Les Chanteurs Stairwell sont fiers d'avoir remporté les concours de l'Ontario Music Festival Association de 2010 et 2013. Un organisme de bienfaisance canadien enregistré, nous aidons également les organismes de bienfaisance locaux avec nos ventes de concerts, CD et livres de recettes.

Tous les dons reçoivent un reçu de charité.

Learn more about the Galilee Centre
History of the Galilee Centre
Who are the Oblates?
Galilee Centre Mission and Vision

The Galilee Centre - a weekend away - Part 1 - First Impressions...

A glorious tapestry of nature greeted us at Arnprior's Galilee Centre. The weekend promised Choral workshops with Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor,  a huge Saturday evening concert with the Glebe choirs; and oodles of time off to bond with choir members, have fun, walk the trails and gaze at the ocean-like Ottawa River till Sunday morning!

Which came much too soon!

Pete picked up Gabe from the airport and he stayed over at ours Thursday night. After a visit to the Peace Tower Carillon (blog post to come), we arrived in Arnprior in time for an early dinner. Then, on to the Galilee Centre to check in.

I am going to say little else in this blog post. Feelings about the success of the weekend are best expressed in thank you emails from choir members.

David:
We had a good chance to publicly thank Gabe for all that he did, but there wasn't the same opportunity to thank Pierre.

So I'd like to take this opportunity to throw a huge collective hug to Pierre for everything he did to bring this workshop retreat into being! It was certainly one of the highlights of my short life to date.

And a shout out to Susan, EC members and all the others who worked behind the scenes on this, and to all those donors (choir members and others) who contributed so generously to our 40th anniversary fundraising campaign, without whose support this couldn't have happened.

Thanks to you all, and I hope you all got a chance to visit or revisit the eastern white pine forest called Gillies Grove, where Ontario's tallest tree is located.

NB: the beauty of forest walks and runs is that, besides the trees, you never know what or who might be lurking therein, even the odd Stairwell Caroller fan could be walking their dog just waiting for a chance to be invited to come to one of our concerts, you never know. (David invited a person on his run through the forest and he actually showed up!)

Annika:
Just wanted to say a BIG HUGE thank you to everyone for a really fun weekend when I learned even more about singing and more about my new found friends in the carollers. I am so happy to have become a part of this family, and I hope I will stay in it for a long time.

We should do this again!

Yola:
I would like to join with David and Annika by saying how amazing and how much fun it was to get to know so many of you better and what a privilege it is to be a part of carollers.

Maggie:
"I can only echo what has already been expressed -- it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I got to know so many people better this weekend, and the master classes were so helpful (and exhausting!)

Thanks to everyone who participated this weekend, and huge thanks to those who did all the work to let the magic happen, especially the Steering Committee and the 40th Anniversary Committee.

This is not the sort of thing that happens overnight, but through months and months of effort and planning, and I truly appreciate it.

I miss those who weren't able to make it, and look forward to this kind of choir dynamic in the future -- not to this extent, obviously, but certainly a continuation of the 'family vibe'. I *love* our collective mind, and how well we work together."

Part 2 - Denyse (en Français) (in English)
Part 3 is HERE

Learn more about the Galilee Centre
History of the Galilee Centre
Who are the Oblates?
Galilee Centre Mission and Vision

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Pierre Massie started our a cappella choir in 1977 while a music student at Ottawa U. 

The Stairwell Carollers are proud to have won both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competitions. A registered Canadian charity, we also help local charities with our concert, CD and cookbook sales.

All Donations receive a charitable receipt.

Arnprior Choral Concert TONIGHT! Glebe choirs, Stairwell Carollers, Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor - soloist

"United in Song"

TONIGHT, May 5th 8:00pm 

 St. John Chrysostom Church, 295 Albert St. Arnprior

For the choir's 40th Anniversary, The Stairwell Carollers are hosting workshops and singing with guest choirs from Glebe Collegiate Institute at our FIRST Spring 2018 Concert TONIGHT - May 5th 2018.

Taught by Glebe master teacher and choral music expert, Rachel Handley, these singers are easily some of the best voices in the city. Over the past years, the Senior, Chamber and Concert choirs won 1st place, and Junior Band earned both silver and gold certificates. In Boston, they won the "Festival's Spirit Award" for outstanding team work and positive attitude. In April 2009, the choir, band and Offbeat performed in Italy - raising over $1,000 for Aquilla earthquake victims! They’ve also performed in Austria, Calgary, England, Boston, Chicago and Germany.

Pierre Massie,  Stairwell Carollers Director, retired as Glebe Arts head in 2014 but keeps up with the music program. He coaches Offbeat, the percussion group he created when teaching at Osgoode Township High School . Offbeat has received national and international recognition, taking gold 5 consecutive years in Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and New York.

The students dropped by for a mini-workshop/rehearsal with us in preparation for tonight's concert.

Stairwell Carollers, former Stairweller bass, Keith, and the Glebe choir kids rehearse for the finale, “Hostias”, from Fauré’s Requiem - specially arranged for voices by Stairwell director, Pierre.

This premiere performance will feature Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor as baritone soloist accompanied by the combined choirs. You  may recognize his name - he sang with the world renowned a cappella group Chanticleer.

Glebe choirs will also sing:

"When it was yet dark", by Canadian composer Stephen Hatfield,  known both for his exciting arrangements of world music and his original works. He has received the Governor General's Gold Medal among other awards. A contemporary Easter anthem, this piece gives Mary Magdalene's perspective on a well-known gospel story and mentions three of the women who were close to Jesus, thus turning it into a moving feminist hymn for Christian women.

"Non Nobis Domine", composed by Rosephany Powell - arranged by William Powell will be performed by the Glebe Man Choir (boys only). Rosephanye Powell is an American composer, singer, teacher and researcher, who has been hailed as one of America's premier composers of choral music. Her compositions are characterized by beautiful melodies and rich harmonies - with diverse inspiration from African-American popular styles as well as music by Bach or Mozart.

Indodana , by Michael Barrett and Ralf Schmitt  is a traditional South African sacred song about the Crucifixion. Barrett is a composer from Pretoria, South Africa, and his compositions and arrangements have been performed throughout South Africa and abroad. He is the founding director and conductor of The Chamber Singers, one of South Africa's most sought after Chamber Choirs. Schmitt specializes in African choral music and his compositions have often aired on television and radio.

Wade in the Water first published by the Work brothers - arranged by Robert Dietz is a traditional African-American Spiritual. Dietz studied music in Australia and in New York. This Spiritual has references from the Old as well as the New Testament, and is associated with the songs of the Underground Railroad. They say Harriet Tubman used to sing it to tell slaves how to avoid the dogs by taking the path of the river.

Daemon, by composer Gyorgy Orban - a latin sacred piece. Romanian-born Hungarian, Orban taught at the Romanian Academy of Music before becoming professor of composition in Budapest in 1982.

He mixes his choral music with traditional liturgical renaissance hymns and jazz.

Complete Concert Programme Here

• Tickets at the door are $20.

Hope to see you at the concert tonight!

also...

Please DONATE to help out our 40th year events ! 

All Donations receive a charitable receipt.

About Our A cappella Choir:

Pierre Massie started The Stairwell Carollers in 1977 while studying music at Ottawa University. We are ranked with the best of Ontario choirs, winning both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competitions. 

A registered Canadian charity, Net proceeds of our concert, CD and cookbook sales are gifted to local charities.