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

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!

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. 

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

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

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Wed Nov 2nd 2022↑

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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.

A Message from Gabriel Lewis O'Conner

We just got this lovely email from Gabriel (Gabe) Lewis-O'Conner, who recently did a weekend of choral workshops with the Stairwell Carollers choir here in Ottawa. It was a really inspiring event in preparation towards our first public choral concert since Christmas 2019!

The whole choir was thrilled to see him again and I will post more about the workshops soon.

Hi Pete (and the whole group)-

I just wanted to write a quick note and tell you how much I have been thinking about all of you leading up to your concert this Saturday.

It makes me so happy to see that the concert is moving ahead, and it seems like you have a pretty solid registration for tickets at this point. Those in the audience are so lucky to be a part of what you all will share.

I am confident that all of the effort it has taken to keep singing through the pandemic and then to come back together to sing in person will manifest in the passion, joy,  and personal storytelling that this repertoire allows.

Please know that I will be in the audience in spirit, beaming and clapping more loudly than anyone (even if you can’t actually see or hear me). I feel like my weekend working on this music with the group allowed me a rare glimpse into how this concert has evolved, and what this music means to each person singing it.

Send my love to everyone, and I can’t wait to hear how the concert goes. I hope everyone has recovered fully that was ill, and you have the full compliment of healthy boisterous singers!

Much love from Kansas,

Gabe

We're looking for a few good Men!

The Stairwell Carollers are seeking tenors and basses to join our safe, fully vaccinated choral ensemble. A solid voice, a good ear, a great attitude, and proof of vaccination are all candidates need to qualify. Reading music is an asset but not a necessity.

Auditions for tenors and basses continue till August 2022 or until positions are filled. Auditions are held via zoom, Skype or Facetime. During the audition, the candidate must have access to software to read PDFs and play MP3 files.

Contact Holly at info@stairwellcarollers.com to set up your audition time.

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.

Choral Masterclass - TOP TEN - 1 - "organic approach and flawless technique" - SIGNUP DEADLINE TOMORROW

TOP TEN Reasons to Register!

#1  Pierre Massie (Stairwell Carollers director):

"I've had the opportunity to experience dozens of masterclasses with various presenters and Gabe was by far the most unique presenter I've had. 
His approach is very organic and his technique is flawless." 

Sign up NOW

Gabriel Lewis O’Connor Choral MASTERCLASS 

DEADLINE TOMORROW - Only $25!

Choral Masterclass poster Deadline May 15th 2019

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

More about Gabe HERE.

Prior to graduate school, he sang for four years with 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 
Date: Saturday May 18. 2019
Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)
Cost: $25 

Music scores are included in your registration package

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

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

 Deadline is May 15, 2019 - TOMORROW

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.

Choral Masterclass - TOP TEN - 2 - Happy Mother's Day - In natali Domini - YouTube video

Katie and Suzannah smile for the camera at choir rehearsal

TOP TEN Reasons to Register!

#2 Suzannah Barrett (soprano):

"He was super animated and I loved the way he explained things!  Sort of like telling stories."

Sign up today: WORKSHOP WITH GABRIEL LEWIS-O'CONNOR - CanadaHelps

Less than 20 spots left - Only $25!

Choral Masterclass poster Deadline May 15th 2019

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

More about Gabe HERE.

Prior to graduate school, he sang for four years with 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 INFO
Date: Saturday May 18. 2019
Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)
Cost: $25 

Music scores are included in your registration package

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

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

 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. 

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform  In natali Domini, Traditional melody,  arrangement by David Rain in memory of his Mom. 
Here is the backstory to David Rain's dedication to his Mother.
All our CDs benefit charities and are available on our website in both CD and MP3 formats. 
Audio: Tom Barnes.  Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 2nd, 2018. 
Videographers: Matthieu Brennan, Andrew Mason
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.

Choral Masterclass - TOP TEN - 3 - "a delightfully devilish sense of humour" - AND bonus YouTube Video- Say Love if Ever Thou Dids’t Find

Tulip festival selfie with Pete - my Hubby and director of the Stairwell Carollers

TOP TEN Reasons to Register!

#3 Holly Massie (alto):

"Gabe is the kind of person that you immediately feel comfortable with the second you meet him. 

He is passionate about choral music and his empathy and compassion shone through every conversation - balanced with a delightfully devilish sense of humour."

Sign up today: WORKSHOP WITH GABRIEL LEWIS-O'CONNOR - CanadaHelps

Less than 20 spots left - Only $25!

Choral Masterclass poster Deadline May 15th 2019 - 3 days left to sign up!

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

More about Gabe HERE.

Prior to graduate school, he sang for four years with Chanticleer.
For 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

Date: Saturday May 18. 2019
Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)
Cost: $25 

Music scores included in registration package

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

If sold out, email us ASAP to be put on the cancellation list.

 Deadline is May 15 - in 3 days!

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. 
Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform  Say Love if Ever Thou Dids’t Find - by John Dowland.

The Renaissance madrigal, Say Love if Ever Thou Dids’t Find, is on our “Audite nova” CD.  All our CDs benefit charities and are available on our website in both CD and MP3 formats.  

Audio: Tom Barnes.  Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 2nd, 2018. 
Videographers: Matthieu Brennan, Andrew Mason
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.

Choral Masterclass - TOP TEN - 4 - "a choral stimulant" - also, "I Love my Love" - YouTube video

Keith toasts the Christmas singing season at Josée's annual Xmas party

TOP TEN Reasons to Register!

#4 Keith Bailey (bass):

"Looking for a choral stimulant? 

As instructor, teacher and coach, Gabe's the encouraging encapsulation of all that's best. 

And a most engaging raconteur, into the bargain!"

Gabriel Lewis O’Connor Choral MASTERCLASS 

Less than 20 spots left - Only $25!

Choral Masterclass poster Deadline May 1st 2019

Gabriel Lewis O’Connor, a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, received his master’s degree from the same institution, studying with Dr. Robert Bode.

More about Gabe HERE.

Prior to graduate school, he sang for four years with Chanticleer.

For 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

Date: Saturday May 18. 2019
Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)
Cost: $25 scores are included in your registration package

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

If sold out, email us. 

 Deadline May 15, 2019

Click here to Register NOW

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

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform I Love My Love - a traditional English Melody in an arrangement by Gustav Holst.

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

Audio: Tom Barnes.  Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 2nd, 2018. 
Videographers: Matthieu Brennan, Andrew Mason

Editing: Pierre Massie

About the choir:

Pierre Massie created The Stairwell Carollers in 1977 while a music student at Ottawa U. 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.

Choral Masterclass - TOP TEN - 5 - "an uplifting experience" - less than 20 spots left! Jesu Dulcis - YouTube Video

Helen, Kelly and Susan at a dress rehearsal at Almonte United Church

TOP TEN Reasons to Register!

Less than 20 spots left - Only $25!

Sign up today: WORKSHOP WITH GABRIEL LEWIS-O'CONNOR - CanadaHelps

#5  Kelly H (alto):

"Gabriel's techniques for creating a greater sense of ensemble were informative, engaging and fun. It was an uplifting experience." 

Choral Masterclass poster Deadline May 15st 2019

Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor, a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, received his master’s degree from the same institution, studying with Dr. Robert Bode.

More about Gabe HERE.

To participate in The Masterclass…

1. You must be a current or former member of any Greater Ottawa/Gatineau region choir.
2. You must prepare these 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

Date: Saturday May 18. 2019
Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)
Cost: $25 

Music scores included in your registration package

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

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

 Deadline: 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.

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform Jesu dulcis by Tomás Luis da Vittoria.

This version of Jesu dulcis is available on our “Cantate Domino” CD.  All our CDs benefit charities and are available on our website in both CD and MP3 formats.

Audio: Tom Barnes.  Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 2nd, 2018.
Videographers: Matthieu Brennan, Andrew Mason
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.

Choral Masterclass - TOP TEN - 6 - "an incredibly intuitive approach" - sign up NOW - YouTube video - Northern Lights

Ludwig - in red hoodie - focuses intently at a choir workshop

TOP TEN Reasons to Register!

#6  Ludwig (bass):

"Gabe has an incredibly intuitive approach to music. He opened up new perspectives on several pieces for us - understanding immediately what we had been trying to achieve through months of practice and, through just a few comments and suggestions, helping us to polish our interpretation to a new and unexpected shine."

Sign up today: WORKSHOP WITH GABRIEL LEWIS-O'CONNOR - CanadaHelps

Gabriel Lewis O’Connor Choral MASTERCLASS 

Less than 40 spots left - Only $25!

Choral Masterclass poster Deadline May 15th  2019

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

More about Gabe HERE.

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

Date: Saturday May 18. 2019
Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)
Cost: $25 

Music scores are included in your registration package

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

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

 Deadline May 15, 2019

Register here NOW

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

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform the contemporary gem, Northern Lights, by Ola Gjeilo.
Audio: Tom Barnes.  Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 2nd, 2018. 
Videographers: Matthieu Brennan
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.

Choral Masterclass - TOP TEN - 7 - "feel like the best singer in the world" - Faure Requiem - YouTube video

Gabriel Lewis O’Connor Choral MASTERCLASS May 18 

Less than 40 spots remaining - $25

TOP TEN Reasons to Register!

#7  - Annika (soprano):

"Gabe is so very talented and it is so easy to learn from him, I found myself wanting to learn from him, since he is so lovely. He is relaxed and laid back, he makes you laugh and feel at ease. 

He has an ability to make you feel like the best singer in the world, while at the same time teaching you how to be a better singer."

Sign up today: WORKSHOP WITH GABRIEL LEWIS-O'CONNOR - CanadaHelps

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

More about Gabe HERE.

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 INFO
Date: Saturday May 18. 2019
Time: 9 am to noon ( 8:30 am registration)
Cost: $25 

Music scores are included in your registration package

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

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

 Deadline May 15, 2019

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. 

St. John Chrysostum Church in Arnprior - a grand venue for a choir!

Hostias & O Domine from Fauré’s Requiem are performed by Ottawa's Stairwell Carollers. Joining them are guests, Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor and the choirs from Glebe Collegiate.

Gabriel performs the baritone solo in Hostias.

From the Stairwell Carollers 40th anniversary concert, May 5, 2018. (Incorrect date on video).

The 40th anniversary concert ended a weekend workshop event with  Gabriel Lewis-O'Connor (formerly of Chanticleer, professional singer and choral conductor).  Three Glebe Collegiate choirs joined Stairwell in workshops hosted by Gabriel at the Galilee Centre.
Audio: Wayne Hawthorne.  Recorded at St. Chrysostom Church, Arnprior, Ontario, Canada, May 5th, 2018. (Incorrect date on video)
Videographer: Matthieu Brennan
Video Editing: Pierre Massie

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Pierre Massie created our a cappella choir in 1977 while 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 help local charities with net proceeds from concert, CD and cookbook sales.