Local choir premieres Little Drummer Bolero

The Stairwell Carollers will perform the piece as part of its annual Christmas concert on Wednesday December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Columba Church on Sandridge Rd. and on Saturday December 21 at 2 p.m. St. François d'Assise Church in Hintonburg.

This holiday season, the Manor Park-based Stairwell Carollers will premiere a unique new choral work, written by local composter Terry Brynaert.

The concert, Little Drummer Bolero, blends Maurice Ravel’s famous orchestral work with the classic Christmas carol.

According to Terry, the concept for Little Drummer Bolero came to him suddenly during an evening drive home from a rehearsal. “It hit me like a ton of bricks,” he said. “Once the idea was there, the piece practically wrote itself.”

The Stairwell Carollers has been based in Manor Park for over 20 years. They perform the piece as part of its annual Christmas concert on Wednesday December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Columba Church. There will be an additional opportunity to hear the work on Saturday December 21 at 2 p.m. St. François d’Assise Church in Hintonburg.

“The composition melds two seemingly disparate musical worlds into one thrilling experience, showcasing the full range of the Stairwell Carollers’ vocal talents,” says Terry.

Challenging piece

Ravel’s Bolero is famous for its hypnotic rhythms, and for highlighting different parts of the orchestra in turn. Without instruments to rely on, singers have the challenge of creating their own percussion and showcasing different sounds.

“To say this piece is challenging is a gross undestatement,” says Maggie Park, longstanding member and President of the Stairwell Carollers.

“It’s fascinating how the theme passes from voice to voice, while the driving rhythm of the Bolero is very present but subdued to the drummer boy. There are some points where we’ve really had to work hard and the result is quite amazing. I urge anyone who thinks they know Bolero to come and listen.”

Terry has dedicated this piece to the memory of his close friend Jenny Deek, an accomplished performer and cherished music educator. “Jenny was a source of endless inspiration,” says Terry. “This piece is my way of honoring her incredible spirit and passion for music.”

Founded by Pierre Massie in 1977, the Stairwell Carollers is known as one of Ottawa’s best choirs. The choir has placed at provincial and national festivals and routinely sings to sold out audiences around the city.

For more information on the choir or to get tickets for their next concert, visit www.stairwellcarollers.com.

This article was written by Chronicle contrubutor Leah Marchuk.