"Nouvelle agréable”, arranged by Pierre Massie

Singing at the National Gallery, Ottawa

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform "Nouvelle agréable", arranged by Pierre Massie.

This version of "Nouvelle agréable" will be on our "O magnum mysterium" CD to be released October 2015.

All our CDs are available on our website in both CD form and as MP3 downloads.

The carollers, an a cappella group, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie, has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ontario choirs in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competition. They are a non-profit organization, who raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs and help Ottawa/Gatineau charities reach their goals!!!Visit our blog or our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 14th, 2013.
Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kevin Millington
Editing: Pierre Massie

The Stairwell Carollers perform "Good King Wenceslaus”

Carolling on Sparks Street, Ottawa

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform "Good King Wenceslaus" arranged by Sir David Willcocks.

This version of "Good King Wenceslaus" will be on our "O magnum mysterium" CD to be released October 2015.

All our CDs are available on our website in both CD form and as MP3 downloads.

The carollers, an a cappella group, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie, has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ontario choirs in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competition. They are a non-profit organization, who raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs and help Ottawa/Gatineau charities reach their goals!!!Visit our blog or our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 14th, 2013.
Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kevin Millington
Editing: Pierre Massie

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform the contemporary Carol, "The Village Wedding”

Rustic crèche

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform an abridged version of "The Village Wedding", written by John Taverner.
This version of "The Village Wedding" will be on our "O magnum mysterium" CD to be released October 2015.
All our CDs are available on our website in both CD form and as MP3 downloads.
The carollers, an a cappella group, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie, has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ontario choirs in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competition. They are a non-profit organization, who raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.
Buy our CDs and help Ottawa/Gatineau charities reach their goals!!!Visit our blog or our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 14th, 2013.
Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kevin Millington
Editing: Pierre Massie

Je sais Vierge Marie, a traditional French Christmas Carol, sung by the Stairwell Carollers

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform Je sais Vierge Marie, a traditional French carol.
The carollers, an a cappella group, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie, has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ontario choirs in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competition. They are a non-profit organization, who raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.
Buy our CDs and help other charities reach their goals!!!
Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 14th, 2013.
Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kevin Millington
Editing: Pierre Massie

From Irish roots comes "A Virgin most pure” -- a Christmas Carol by Charles Wood

Stairwell Carollers scarf

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "A Virgin most pure" by Charles Wood (1866 – 1926) an Irish composer and teacher. 

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

They are a non-profit organization, who raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

This version of "A Virgin most pure" will be included in our "O magnum mysterium" CD released in October . All our CDs are available on our website in both CD form and as MP3 downloads.

Buy our CDs and help Ottawa/Gatineau charities reach their goals!!!

Visit our blog or our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 14th, 2013.

Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kevin Millington
Editing: Pierre Massie

From Irish roots comes "A Virgin most pure” -- a Christmas Carol by Charles Wood http://t.co/KpzZKS0fJK on @bloglovin

— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) November 21, 2014

The Stairwell Carollers perform "I Saw a Maiden” an Old Basque Noël

Angels

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform "I Saw a Maiden” an Old Basque Noël with refrain by Edgar Pettman (1866 - 1943).

This version of "I saw a Maiden" will be included in our next Xmas CD, "O Magnum Mysterium". Expected release date will be October 2015. All our CDs are available on our website in both CD form and as MP3 downloads.

The carollers, an a cappella group, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie, has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ontario choirs in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competition. They are a non-profit organization, who raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs and help other Ottawa/Gatineau charities reach their goals!!!

Visit our blog or our website for updates. 

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 14th, 2013. 

Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kevin Millington 

Editing: Pierre Massie

The Stairwell Carollers perform "I Saw a Maiden” an Old Basque Noël http://t.co/5R8F8k5NSh on @bloglovin
— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) November 19, 2014

All My Heart This Night Rejoices - The Stairwell Carollers

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform "All My Heart This Night Rejoices” by Johann Georg Ebeling (1637-1676). 

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

A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Visit our blog or our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 14th, 2013.

Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kevin Millington
Editing: Pierre Massie

All My Heart This Night Rejoices - The Stairwell Carollers http://t.co/qLDHk66ic3

— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) November 17, 2014

"Up good Christen folk and listen!” a quaint English Christmas carol

"Up good Christen folk and listen!” a quaint English Christmas carol http://t.co/11wUMn0zY4 on @bloglovin

— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) November 14, 2014

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers perform "Up good Christen folk and listen!" a traditional English carol arranged by G.R. Woodward. 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.

Buy our CDs and help other charities reach their goals!!!
 
Visit our blog or our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 14th, 2013.

Videographers: Sébastien Lemay, Kevin Millington
Editing: Pierre Massie

Knox Presbyterian church, 2013 Christmas Concert Recap

           What an incredible venue to have for the first of our own 2013 Christmas carol concerts! 

A cathedral - sized church in downtown Ottawa

A cathedral in both size and style, Knox Presbyterian Church at 120 Lisgar St. Ottawa, Ontario, is impressive indeed --  a Gothic jewel at the center of our Nation's capital!

The Stairwell Carollers present a $2000 cheque to Youville Center -- Photo, Genevieve Lajoie

And the acoustics! Out of this world! I recommend this church to anyone wanting the experience of singing choral music in a cathedral setting.

One of our proudest moments was presenting the $2000 cheque to a representative of Youville center. Giving financial help to local charities is a core mandate of the Stairwell Carollers choir.

Our MC, Keith Bailey, introduces a Christmas carol

Wouldn't you know it, Saturday, Dec 14th had to be one of the worst storms that month! Despite the rotten Ottawa weather, we had good attendance.The people who came were obviously dedicated fans to brave the blowing sleet and snow -- and we thank them for their staunch support!

Keith, former Stairwell Caroller Bass and our MC at Knox

Former Bass, Keith was a stellar MC, his booming British accent in fine form and his smile infectious. His blend of music factoids and wry humour is always spot on -- making the concert complete.

Pierre gives the choir  notes (pun intended) on a piece of music in the pre-concert warmup

Tom Barnes recorded the audio for us, as always, while two friends took the live video. You will see the songs on YouTube over the coming months,  our director Pierre editing it all together (he doesn't do enough, after all).

Knox Presbyterian church, 2013 #Christmas #Concert Recap http://t.co/QHMxbwm1Mg #choral #Ottawa #blogging
— Holly Massie (@HollyWroteit) January 30, 2014

The well-attended reception afterwards was held in the church's huge hall-- bright and cheery -- like the rest of Knox, full of Gothic style and atmosphere.

Pete awards the door prize -- a handmade gift basket filled with goodies and cds

As always, at our Christmas concerts, Pete awarded a festive gift basket door prize to a lucky audience member. Our thanks for coming to our concert! All in all, it was a great new church experience.

Many thanks once again to Michele, Susan and their crew for handling tickets at the door, CD sales and distributing programs.

Huguette, former Soprano with the Stairwell Carollers, makes an elegant usher

I hear some new singers in the Stairwell! 2014 Spring season auditions coming up -- January 29th and Feb 5th

those

                We'd like to welcome this past year's new members of the Stairwell Carollers. All are in our newest group photo -- and.... here they are!

In the Soprano section, we were thrilled to get Patty Morrison -- a beautiful girl with an equally beautiful voice and personality.

Patty and Beatrice

She-Yang -- photo by Denyse Mageau

 In the Tenor section, She-Yang brings pure notes, an angelic demeanor with a devilish grin and a consistently positive attitude.









On a down note, a large hole was left in the Bass section when both Keith and Bill decided to retire from the group after many years of staunch Stairwelling. We will miss you both!

Bill and Keith relax at Cantate Domino recording session

So... we have two new Basses...

Andrew (who looks like a tenor) surprised me with his deep mellow tones.

Andrew, far right, pays close attention to Pierre's direction. Photo, Suzanne Gibeault

Last, but definitely not least is David. A deep resonant Bass voice combined with a wicked sense of humour.

David, at left, pen at the ready, works hard at rehearsal -- while Pierre directs from the center of the circle

Welcome, welcome all!

New singers in the Stairwell and 2014 Spring season #choir #auditions #Ottawa #Gatineau -- January 29th, ... http://t.co/12ZyYXAyHL
— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) January 16, 2014

And... believe it or not -- 
we are still auditioning for an Alto, tenor and a bass, Jan 29th and Feb 4th. 
Please contact us by email -- info (@) stairwellcarollers.com -- 
don't forget to remove

2013 Christmas Concert Recap -- The National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

the National Gallery of Canada

                For a number of years now, we have been invited to sing at the National Gallery during both our Spring and Christmas singing seasons.

The National Gallery Concerts -  PART ONE, The Rideau Chapel  

The National Gallery Concerts PART TWO - The Great Hall

Kelly and Susan in the Green Room before the concert

For 2013, we were relocated to the Garden Court because the Grand Hall is under renovation. Thank goodness we still had the lovely green room to relax in! We had loved singing in front of the Giant tree in the Grand hall, so were wondering how the new venue would work out.

Seasonal colours in a sea of bromeliads

 The Garden Court has a sky light ceiling and is filled with real trees and seasonal plantings. I was expecting the usual poinsettia display and was pleasantly surprised by the choice of green and red bromeliads.

2013 #Christmas #Concert Recap The National Gallery of Canada @gallerydotca @beaux_arts_ca #Ottawa http://t.co/94o5PNuziW
— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) January 16, 2014

We often looked up to the audience ringing the upstairs balcony above us

 The acoustics were tremendous, and we could all hear each other so well -- everyone loved the experience of singing in the new space! Andrea McCrady (our Dominion Carilloneur) was in attendance, and explained to me that the room was designed as a cloister -- which are traditionally designed to enhance sound.

 Above the stone archways the ceiling reaches up to the second floor with a balcony all the way around.

Audience filled the space and surrounded the balcony through our entire hour mini-concert.

Thanks to Laurie for doing the CD table! Andrea McCrady on the right discusses the concert with our director, Pierre

I am planning a post that reviews our singing history at the National Gallery. Stay tuned!

St. Stephen's Church, Chelsea, Quebec -- Christmas Concert Recap 2013

St. Stephen's church against a cobalt winter sky

            A gorgeous and crisp winter's night, a quaint Heritage church and an intense and focused audience made St. Stephen's concert, Saturday, Dec 7th, truly one of a kind.

We were in awe of the atmosphere as we waited for Pete to give us our first note.

A Full House! Photo, Suzanne Gibeault

The church has amazing acoustics and is visually stunning.

Altar details with angel sculptures

The icons and painted murals reminded me of our recent visit to Medieval churches in Germany.

Central ceiling mural

We arrived ahead of everyone -- to a vision in the night...

St. Stephen's at night

The blue sky just past dusk gave me the chance to capture some glorious shots of the exterior.

Ironwork sign for St. Stephen's

Waiting inside.. a photog's dream.

St. Stephen's Church, Chelsea, #Quebec -- #Christmas #Concert Recap 2013 http://t.co/RzrxzuoQC6 #choir
— Holly Massie (@HollyWroteit) January 16, 2014

View from the second floor balcony

A little setting up, a little rehearsing and a little, sorry, make that a LOT of encouragement and hands-on help from the churches deacons put everyone in a singing mood.

The organizers even supplied a photographer, Suzanne Gibeault, who took all the concert photos (since I was singing) and promptly sent them to us -- an early Christmas present!

Having a singing good time! Photo, Suzanne Gibeault

Happy New Year!

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 :)