The National Gallery Concerts - part 2, The Great Hall

The National Gallery Concerts -  PART ONE, The Rideau Chapel 
The first time The Stairwell Carollers sang at the National Gallery of Canada, here in our home town of Ottawa, we were in awe of the performance space. Wearing our tuxes, standing on risers, with the gigantic Christmas tree looming over us, I looked out into the Great Hall and it took my breath away. 

Built to mirror the domed Parliamentary library, the Hall's glass facade stretches up forever -- spectacular in a snowstorm. We stood to face the second floor balcony and our voices lifted, echoing -- and disappeared into the distance.  Not the easiest acoustics, but great for the audience.

One year, I had laryngitis so I wandered the hall and the balcony taking photos of the group. An odd feeling, not singing with the choir -- an experience I am not eager to repeat, but I got some great photos. 

That year, we also had a professional photographer,  Mr. Ferris-Manning, who donated all his photos he took of the group for our use. I was forced to admit that his shots were better than mine.

We always get the same rehearsal space -- what performers call a "green room". One of the most comfy rooms to warmup in that has all the amenities -- bathroom, change room, coat rack, cozy couches for relaxing and tables to get work done. 

Even a sink, fridge and counter space. A bit more comfortable than cramming 26 people into the kindergarten play room of the local church ( seriously -- even the chairs were child size!)

But, I digress. So, I'll stop.

Thanks again to all our choir singer/volunteers who set up equipment and, of course, especially to Michèle for running our Front of House and CD table.