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

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. 

Friday Night Thoughts (directing Bogoroditse Devo)

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:

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. 

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. 

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

 

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

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JOIGNEZ-NOUS!

CLIQUEZ CI-DESSUS
POUR LES DÉTAILS

Ramassage des commandes de CD dans Ottawa.

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.

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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JOIN US 

↑FOR AN OPEN REHEARSAL

Wed Nov 2nd 2022↑

OTTAWA AREA PICK UP FOR CD PURCHASES!

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.

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

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.

Questions about this event?

The Stairwell Carollerscarollers@rogers.com

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.