“Wednesday nights are my favourite night of the week. Singing with this group is challenging, fun and fills me with gorgeous music!” Kristy, soprano
Kristy has been a Stairweller now for 2 years and this will be her 4th singing season. Her single sentence sums up feelings expressed by many of my fellow choristers in The Stairwell Carollers.
Brand new to sing this 2024 Christmas season, Ronan – bass, Leah – alto, Caroline and Shayna – both soprano, bring the choir’s numbers to a healthy 33.
Here are some first impressions:
Shayna, soprano
“My first few weeks with the choir have been amazing. The musical selections are each gorgeous and challenging in their own unique ways, and I’ve been blown away by the sheer amount of eclectic talent represented within the choir’s members; they are all dedicated to the common goal of bringing quality music and performances to an appreciative audience. Everyone has been incredibly patient, kind and welcoming to the new members such as myself, and I’m excited about the prospect of continuing to learn and grow with the group for many seasons to come.”
New Stairwellers Shayna and Caroline join Barbara in the soprano section
Caroline, soprano
“I was looking for a way to rekindle the joy of music and happily stumbled across The Stairwell Carollers. I attended this year’s spring concert and was impressed by the quality of musicianship and the breadth of songs performed.(Not sure why I hadn’t heard of them before, having gone to UOttawa, and lived off and on in Ottawa since the early 80’s??).
The audition was a little nerve-wracking, but members and directors were welcoming and supportive, right from this very first step.
Having sung in a couple of other community choirs here in Ottawa, I am hugely impressed by the organization and commitment to quality of the Stairwell Carollers. There is plenty of assistance with learning the music (scores, playlists, recordings, section mentors), clear communication regarding dates and expectations, and a strong sense of collaboration and partnership with all the tasks involved in producing the concerts. The rehearsals are so energizing! I leave humming and bouncing. I’m so glad to have found a musical home :)”
Leah, alto
“I’m new to the Stairwell Carollers, but have been part of the Ottawa choral community for many years. This choir is really special. It has such a pure, beautiful sound. In Pierre Massie, the choir benefits from highly dedicated and professional musical direction. As a chamber a capella group, every singer’s voice is critical, and no one can rely on backing instruments to find their notes. As such, every single singer in the choir works extremely hard on every piece the choir performs. Listening to the choir will be a treat for any music lover – whether you’re a classical music aficionado, or simply appreciate a lovely tune. I only wish I’d joined this choir sooner!
Other singers who joined us for our Spring concerts and now look forward to singing Christmas carols with us for the first time are Emily and Barbara – sopranos, Renée – Alto, and Dylan – tenor.
Terry, René and Ronan concentrate on their bass tone
Director, Pierre, flanked by fellow tenors Richard and Dylan
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.
