Ottawa Citizen - The Upbeat: Ottawa Choir sings a Charitable Duet

A duet of American goldfinches

David's original article as submitted is below:

Ottawa choir sings a charitable duet this spring

May 18, 2016, For Immediate Release (Ottawa) –



Founded in 1977, the Stairwell Carollers give back to the community in so many diverse ways. Musically, they are an award-winning a capella choir, led by an award-winning composer, their director, Pierre Massie.

The Stairwell Carollers also sing in a humanitarian key, as they are a registered charity themselves. Over the years, including this spring, proceeds from their CD and ticket sales have allowed them to donate over $130,000 in music scholarships to students and special gifts to local charities.

Continuing this tradition, the choir is thrilled to announce this year’s winner of the Stairwell Carollers music scholarship, Charlie Watson. Charlie is a grade 12 student at Canterbury High School, who plays the piano and trumpet and also sings in the male chorus. He is excited to receive this $1000 award, which will help him as he enters the University of Toronto music department in performance this fall.

The Stairwell Carollers are also pleased to present their next $2000 donation to the Ottawa Chapter of Parkinson Canada. From diagnosis to discovery, Parkinson Canada guides the way for Canadians to live well with Parkinson’s disease through education, advocacy and support services.

The Carollers will make an official presentation of their gift to Parkinson Canada at their spring concert
at Saint Barnabas Church (corner of James St & Kent St) on June 4^th, 7:30pm.

Tickets are available at the door for $20, or in advance for $15 from The Leading Note, 370 Elgin St; Compact Music, 190 & 785 1/2 Bank St; Books on Beechwood, 35 Beechwood Ave, or online at http://www.stairwellcarollers.com/Concerts.html.
And if you’re looking for a great gift, the Stairwell Carollers’ latest CD, “O magnum mysterium”, will be on sale at the concert. Your purchase of a CD will help the Carollers offer their next music scholarship or donation to a local charity.

To learn more about Parkinson Canada, visit parkinson.ca.

David Rain, who sings second tenor, has been receiving his musical cues from the back of Pierre Massie’s head for 23 years with the Carollers. For more information, please visit www.stairwellcarollers.com.