The Stairwell Carollers remember Gord Atkinson - a Bright Ottawa Light Winks Out

 We were so very sad to learn of the passing of Gord Atkinson - long time mentor and friend to The Stairwell Carollers - Monday, April 26, 2021. He will be sorely missed. 

So many memories...

Our connection to Gord began in 1984 when his wife Elaine heard us carolling at Bayshore Shopping Centre. Right there, he invited us to sing LIVE on CFMO for their Christmas Exchange Telethon. Before the broadcast, he asked "what should I call you folks - what's the group's name?" 

We didn’t HAVE a name. 

After an awkward moment Dawn (soprano) piped up -- "The Stairwell Carollers".  I was dumbstruck. It was perfect. Our new name was forever cast in radio history as Gord introduced us for the first time ever over the airwaves.  

(I wish I had a photo - the pic below is from a later Christmas exchange broadcast from the Ottawa Citizen building)

Gord claimed us as his "Discovery", welcoming us into his musical cadre alongside Paul Anka, Elvis and Rich Little. We sang for The Christmas Exchange Broadcast on CFMO and CFRA for many years and were even treated to a wee float with our name on it in the 1987 Santa Claus parade . 

Pierre and I kept in touch with both Gord and Elaine, always looking forward to their Christmas card newsletter, always with a special note added just for us.

In 1986, Gord and CFMO produced our first recording, a vinyl album which raised over $53,000 for Ronald MacDonald House.

Gord and Elaine attended many of our concerts and, though he always said he was just a fan, we knew better. Gord Atkinson provided the choir countless opportunities that led to the professional development of The Stairwell Carollers.

He had the most generous heart. I miss him from the bottom of mine.

We send our sincere condolences to his wife Elaine and their family at this difficult time.

Gord Atkinsons Obituary : https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/gordon-atkinson-1082194642

 

CTV news https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/legendary-ottawa-radio-broadcaster-gord-atkinson-dies-at-94-1.5402971

Global news https://globalnews.ca/news/7813330/ottawa-radio-gord-atkinson-obituary/

Ottawa Citizen https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/egan-from-bing-to-the-king-radio-man-gord-atkinson-had-legendary-career

TUTTI THURSDAY -- I want more Christmas (Carols) -- YouTube

Ok, for all you who just can't get enough of Christmas, here is our Christmas carols playlist on YouTube :)

We have professionally recorded many of these carols on CD! When you purchase them, you help support our growing list of Ottawa and the Outaouais region charities.

All our CDs are available on our website in both CD and MP3 formats. 

The Stairwell Carollers, an a cappella group, were formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie and has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ontario choirs in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competition.

Tutti Thursday -- I want more Christmas (Carols) -- YouTube https://t.co/9NIOWxZgDq on @bloglovin

— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) January 5, 2017

We are a non-profit organization that raises funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Visit our blog
or our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at various churches through the years, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kolin Casagrande, Sam Sloan and many others.

Editing: Pierre Massie
Still Photography, Holly Massie - unless otherwise credited.

Stairwell Carollers appear on Daytime Ottawa with Derick Fage

Daytime Ottawa with Derick Fage, Rogers TV

Yay!
 A small contingent of the Stairwell Carollers were invited to appear on Daytime Ottawa with Derick Fage. We braved one of the first snow storms of the season to arrive at the Rogers TV station in lots of time for the live show at 11:00. The hour show is repeated throughout the day.

We warmed up in an unused studio and premiered the new black cloaks for the guys. We think they look pretty cool and they are actually cooler than the green cloaks (lighter weight fleece).

We sang two carols, Wassail Song and Carol of the Bells. Pete chose these since we know them by heart and they are well known favourites.

Andrew, a new Stairweller this year, and obviously very 'puter literate, popped our segment on his YouTube channel -- you can watch it below. A tiny version of the Stairwell Carollers, which now has 30 singers.

Stairwell Carollers appear on Daytime Ottawa with Derick Fage http://t.co/qhjLlTMbpo on @bloglovin
— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) November 19, 2014

Favourite Christmas carols -- a Youtube playlist from The Stairwell Carollers

Twinkle Christmas tree

Tenors and Basses at rehearsal

We are practicing our Christmas carols now, getting ready for O Magnum Mysterium, our 2014 concerts in the Ottawa region! Here's a special playlist for you of our most loved Xmas carols on YouTube.

Favourite Christmas carols -- a Youtube playlist from The Stairwell Carollers http://t.co/ghGuR30PsT on @bloglovin

— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) November 13, 2014

Ottawa's Byward Market, Dec 1st, 2013 -- a perfect snowy day for Christmas caroling

The Stairwell Carollers caroling in the Byward Marke

       Dec 1st, my birthday -- of course I'm caroling in the Byward Market! 

Being married to the director carries no weight in scheduling our appearances -- in fact, his birthday is Nov. 27th -- he had two dress rehearsals that day.

Pete, Holly and She-Yang, singing our hearts out!

Green room for the day

The upside is, it's very cool being with our choir on your birthday -- you get Happy Birthday sung in 15-part improvised harmony -- always great -- always different.

David, long time Stairwell Carollers tenor, lives near the Market and provided us with the perfect warm up space and "green room".

singing inside the Byward Market 

We started our singing at noon inside the Market building for about 15 minutes, then progressed outside. For new members, this was their first experience actually singing with us in a stairwell!

It was just a short walk over to our assigned spot near the free wagon rides offered by the Byward Market business association.

@ByWardMarketBIA #Ottawa #BywardMarket, Dec 1st, 2013 #Christmas #caroling http://t.co/eIiw406lrT #choir #follow :)

— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) January 16, 2014

Byward Market free wagon rides

O Tannenbaum for the Christmas tree vendor with the Peace Tower in the distance

We sang in half-hour sets outside until 2:00pm, taking a turn around the block to warm up our feet -- singing all the way.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! 

 The Stairwell Carollers wish you all a festive and healthy New Year!

  Here is a playlist of The Stairwell Carollers concert videos of some of our favourite all time carols including ones sung in the Byward Market :)

Ottawa area 2013 Stairwell Caroller Christmas Carol Concerts and appearances

Snowy Tree, photo by Holly Massie

                  Planning ahead for the 2013 Xmas caroling and concert season, here is our Christmas Concert Calendar!

#Ottawa area 2013 Stairwell Caroller #Christmas #Carol #Concerts http://t.co/pqgCCiu4zr #Choral #choir #willRTback #RT
— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) November 14, 2013

Mini Blog Challenge Party -- Ten Years Ago with The Stairwell Carollers

The Stairwell Carollers in 2003 -- ten years ago -- Dress rehearsal for Carols by Request Concert

Thursday's Challenge -- Throwback Thursday -- Ten Years!

2003 was a BIG year for the Stairwell Carollers

We pressed our third Christmas Carol CD Mourning Dove after much struggle with dripping ice on the roof of the church. 

Pete thinks about the ice

 

The haunting title track by our Director, Pierre. was chosen by our Dominion Carilloneur to be played on our National Capital's Carillon, at Parliament Hill here in Ottawa, Monday December 17th 2012.

Ice on the church roof stops recording

 Our 2003 Christmas concert season was a challenge in itself!

 Carols by Request was just that-- we had to learn many MANY carols -- old and new -- to be able to comply with our audiences possible requests. 

Twice as many carols were in the repertoire that year. We sang a set of lovely but uncommon carols in the first  set -- then, in the intermission, the audience chose their favourite carols and we compiled a second set ON THE SPOT. 

Some of the choices were SURPRISING. It was a heady and exciting (not to mention scary) experience. 
  

Purchase Mourning Dove here

Christmas is coming and our CDS make great gifts that give twice!  Proceeds from Stairwell Caroller merchandise helps local charities achieve their philanthropic goals. 

 We even have a cookbook  !

Holly :)

I will tell you tomorrow which carols won the top ten.

Photos from CFRA Xmas cheer 2012

Invited back to sing for the broadcast after many years was fun!

    Here are the photos (finally) from 2012 -- the original post HERE.

"The Stairwell Interviews" Why sing? Why Stairwell? Why Not!

Giant pile of Stairwell Cloaks after the Xmas season ready for the wash

The Stairwell Interviews will showcase past and present Stairwell Caroller Choristers (over 100 souls and counting)...

One. At. A. Time.

I drafted a few questions, both serious and tongue in cheek, and emailed them out to everyone I am still in contact with. Of course, if you are a past Stairweller please reconnect with us by emailing us at info@stairwellcarollers.com

The Questions --

1. I, ________________have been/was with the Stairwell Carollers for ____________ seasons. I sing _______ (e.g. Alto)

2. Some people play golf, throw pottery on a wheel, write Blogs -- why did you choose to sing? 

3. Why choral music? Why not Hip-hop or Opera? What is different about singing a cappella? Aside from the obvious -- that there is no piano or orchestra... 

4. What brought you to the Stairwell Carollers?

Actual Stairwell singing

5. We’ve had a few interesting singing experiences – highlight yes or no to the following... then choose one (or two or twelve) and tell me more.
 
Be aware I've listed only my own experiences, so feel free to add to this list – remember this is  with the Carollers – not, like, in your shower, um.. etc..

With the Stairwell Carollers,
I sang on a moving bus YES NO
I sang on Parliament Hill YES NO
I sang inside the Parliament Buildings YES NO
I sang in pouring rain/freezing drizzle YES NO
I sang at an old age home/in a hospital corridor/at a funeral/at a wedding YES NO

Carolling at The Governor General's Skating party

I sang with a raging fever YES NO
I sang while tears ran down my face YES NO
I sang live on radio YES NO
I sang in a mall YES NO
I sang while walking YES NO
I sang for an audience of less than 5 people YES NO

Concert at the Cumberland Museum, Orleans

I sang for a packed house YES NO
A drunk guy tried to dance with me/sang along/yelled in my ear/tried to convert me while I was singing YES NO
I sang beside Santa YES NO
I sang on TV/TV special/live TV YES NO
I sang in a convent for a room full of nuns (sweet) YES NO
I sing on YouTube (that’s most of you -- on the Stairwell Caroller channel) YES NO
I sang in a fast-food establishment/bar YES NO
I sang “Happy Birthday” to a random stranger in a bar YES NO
I sang in/at a ______________________

At Billings Estate for a TV special

6. Have you had a Stairwell Caroller “Ah-Ha” moment you can relate?

And finally... 7. Sum up our director, Pete, in three words or less... or more...

Already I've had some great responses from Stairwellers and will post the first STAIRWELL INTERVIEW soon!

-- from an idea suggested by Stairweller alto, Martha.

* This looks like it will be a lot of fun -- and may be a worthwhile topic to explore on your own choir or group Blog.

 

Past Three O'Clock - A wonderful medley of old carols

"Hope" banner at Glebe St. James Church, Ottawa

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform "Past Three O'Clock"  arranged by William Llewellyn.  

 

Past Three O'Clock - A wonderful medley of old #Christmas carols nblo.gs/G0AVn #Choirmusic #choral

— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) December 15, 2012

The Stairwell Carollers, an a cappella group, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie, has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ottawa choirs by choral critics. We are a non-profit organization, who raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

This version of "Past Three O'clock" will be included in our next Xmas CD.  Expected release date will be October 2015.  All our CDs are available on our website in both CD form and as MP3 downloads.

Buy our CDs and help other charities reach their goals!!!

Visit our blog
or our website  for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes.  Recorded at St. Columba Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 17th, 2011.
Videographer: Andrew Mason.
Editing: Pierre Massie

An overflowing audience welcomed us to Almonte for our second 2012 Christmas Carol Concert

Warming up in Almonte United Church just before the concert

Almonte United Church

A new Stairweller -- the Xmas tree

Pete gives last minute "notes"

            Almonte United Church was packed to the rafters for our second concert of the season, Saturday Dec 1st. 



We always find the ambiance and the acoustics at Almonte very relaxing -- we can hear each other well and I think we sing better because of it.

Sopranos!

The audience gave us a standing ovation too!

.... and it was my birthday.

Our 2012 group photo -- thanks Genevieve!

Thanks to Michelle and Genevieve for womaning the CD table -- we couldn't do it without them.

Our tech crew worked hard to make us glow in the darkness.

We also got a nice article in the Humm.

Quite the birthday gift, I must say :)

  Our Article is on page 12 -- embedded below

Venez divin Messie - The Stairwell Carollers

                Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Venez divin Messie" - arranged by Pierre Massie.  

The carollers, an a cappella group, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie, has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ottawa choirs by choral critics. They are a non-profit organization, who raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

This version of "Venez divin Messie" will be included in our next Xmas CD.  Expected release date will be October 2015.  

All our CDs are available on our website in both CD form and as MP3 downloads.
Buy our CDs and help other charities reach their goals!!!

Visit our blog
or our website for updates.

Stairwell Carollers to sing on CFRA for 2012 Christmas Cheer Broadcast

The Stairwell Carollers on CFRA CFMO Dec 1 1985, Xmas Exchange Broadcast

                                CFRA has asked us back for the annual 2012 Christmas Cheer broadcast, tomorrow, Thursday Dec 6th We will sing ON AIR between 5PM and 6PM. 

Stairwell Carollers to sing on #CFRA for 2012 #Christmas Cheer Broadcast stairwellcarollers.blogspot.ca/2012/12/stairw… #Ottcity #choral #Ottawa #donate
— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) December 5, 2012

As you may have noticed from the pic, this is not our first time helping out the Christmas cheer broadcast thanks to long time supporter Gord Atkinson. For a number of years it was a Stairwell Caroller tradition, so we are thrilled to be asked back to help again with this wonderful cause.

Come on down to see us -- right near Santa at the Rideau Centre, Centre Court, or tune in to CFRA to listen and donate :)
 

Da Capo -- Ottawa choir returns to their roots -- 35 years later !

The Stairwell Carollers, 1978 -- note Dawn's t-shirt I made for her celebrating the name she coined

For Holly Massie, it all started when she met future husband Pierre Massie in the Marchand Residence of Ottawa U in 1975.

He was studying music in French, and she, theatre in English.

It was the perfect match. One thing led naturally to another, and before you could say “do, sol, mi, do”, Pierre had recruited Holly to sing in the stairwells of their residence to cheer up students during exam times.

As she still likes to joke, “My life took a turn for the chorus.”

Holly and Dawn 1977

Pierre started recruiting more singers, and by 1977 they had become a tiny choir of ten. They sang Christmas carols that year at the Bayshore Shopping Centre, and caught the attention of Gord Atkinson, who was hosting CFMO radio’s Christmas cheer broadcast.

As Holly relates, “Shaking in our choir boots, we stared at this celebrity as he asked us our NAME.”

“WHAT name? We HAD no name…While I was trying not to panic, soprano, Dawn, piped up – ‘The Stairwell Carollers!’ Gord ran with it, the name ran with us – and I’ve been running on the fast track, Stairwell Carolling, ever since.”

Pierre and Holly July 5 1980

From these very humble beginnings, Holly has accompanied Pierre on his 35 year journey – developing this tiny group of singers into one of Ottawa’s premier a cappella choirs, with seven professionally-produced CDs to their credit.

The Stairwell Carollers have also developed a humanitarian mission, transforming income from concert tickets and CD sales into $45,000 in donations to local charities.

As well, scholarships worth $11,000 have been offered to high school students pursuing musical studies at Ottawa U itself, and at other Canadian universities.

And this year, the Carollers are returning to within a stone’s throw of where it all began 35 years ago!

You can hear the choir just down the road from Ottawa U this Friday November 30 at St Paul’s Eastern United Church, 473 Cumberland St, at 7:30pm.

It’s a chance to hear some great music and to support the Carollers’ humanitarian work as well.

You can also catch the choir at these concerts in the Glebe and Manor Park areas:

• December 15: Glebe St James United Church, 650 Lyon St, 7:30pm. NB: the Carollers will be presenting a special $2,000 “Christmas gift” to the youth literacy group, Sage Youth-Jeunesse Sage, at this concert.
• December 19, St Columba Anglican Church, 24 Sandridge Road, 7:30pm.

David Rain

David Rain, who lives near Ottawa U, has been receiving his musical cues from the back of Pierre Massie’s head for the past 20 years. For tickets/CDs, visit: www.stairwellcarollers.com.