Pierre Massie and his Stairwell Carollers

Pierre Massie and his Stairwell Carollers

Thank you all for such a wonderful concert last night! The audience was
so appreciative of the performance — and in addition to that, I’m
extremely appreciative of all the work that went into the staging, work
that escapes the notice of many of the audience members. 

Bruce, bass, tapes down cords

Bruce, bass, tapes down cords

Many thanks for
all the ‘background’ work that went into the concert, particularly
those on the Tech Crew, the Workshop Committee, the Steering Committee,
and a huge thanks to all the singers who made last night so very
special. 

Rene, bass, is in charge of the Tech crew

Rene, bass, is in charge of the Tech crew

I feel like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, being able to
sing in a public concert after so much time. My very best wishes to all,
especially Erin and Katherine, who are each embarking on a brand new
journey. We’ll miss you, but hope you continue to stay in touch.

Susan, Josee and Katherine relax before the concert

Susan, Josee and Katherine relax before the concert

 

Erin, Annika and Helen waiting to go on stage

Erin, Annika and Helen waiting to go on stage

And most of all, thanks to Pete, for so many things — 

Pete runs beginnings of all songs before the concert

Pete runs beginnings of all songs before the concert

having the vision to create the choir in the first place; having so much artistic integrity that it gives us such a unique, well-balanced sound; for all the pushing to make us unsatisfied with a good performance when a better one can be achieved with more effort; for years of instruction, for I have learned something with each and every rehearsal over the years; for the blunt (yet spot-on) comments when I inadvertently get lazy, for you know I can do better; and, most of all, for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful ensemble — I feel such soul-affirming joy and awe when we hit on all cylinders! 

Pete fine tunes his instrument (The Stairwell Carollers)

Pete fine tunes his instrument (The Stairwell Carollers)

And that’s also thanks to everyone giving their best. Together we are nirvana.

{Nirvana is a place of perfect peace and happiness, like heaven. In Hinduism and Buddhism, nirvana is the highest state that someone can attain, a state of enlightenment, meaning a person’s individual desires and suffering go away.}

Buddha

Buddha

Enjoy a well-deserved respite, and have a terrific summer. ;o)

Maggie

Auditions ongoing until August 2022 – we are especially searching for tenor and bass voices. Also soprano and an alto.

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.