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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019 UCW 11
Cumberland Choral Arts — the
name is new, but the organiza-
tion is familiar. For 28 years the
community has known them as
Cumberland Oratorio Singers.
December marks the end of a
massive rebranding effort inspired
by a subtle shift as the choir mem-
bers realized they were perform-
ing a wide range of music and
not just the traditional oratorios.
Cumberland Choral Arts debuts
its 2019 rendition of Handel's
"Messiah Singalong" Dec. 14 at
First Presbyterian Church. Accom-
panied by the Campbellton Youth
Choir, the free performance is
open to the public. Because this is
a singalong, the guests are invited
to join the choir.
Messiah was composed by
George Friderick Handel in 1741
over the course of just a few weeks
and debuted in Dublin, Ireland, in
1742. The initial public reception
was modest, but 277 years later
it's one of the most frequently
performed and best-known choral
works. The original performance
included the entire life of the
Messiah, from the birth of Jesus
to the passion of the Christ. It's
been modified and shortened for
Christmas performances, and for
this performance, the choir will
also perform traditional Christ-
mas carols, merging secular songs
with the sacred.
CCA was founded in 1991 by
Allen Porter of Methodist Univer-
sity. Nearly three decades later,
the nonprofit is thriving under the
leadership of Jason Britt.
The group's website notes,
"Inspired by the joy of singing
and hearing choral music, the
Cumberland Oratorio Singers
strive to be a premier symphonic
chorus through the outstanding
performance of choral master-
works. With a commitment to
excellence and education for over
25 years, we work collaboratively
with all singers to foster a vibrant,
diverse, and interactive choral
community, educate our singers
and audiences, and extend our
reach to the youth of Cumberland
County and the Sandhills region."
Handel's Messiah, performed
by Cumberland Choral Arts and
special guests —the Campbellton
Youth Choir, takes place Dec. 14,
from 5-7 p.m. at First Presbyte-
rian Church at 102 Ann Street in
Fayetteville.
Season ticket holders will have
reserved seats.
For more information visit www.
cumberlandchoralarts.org or call
910-215-7046
Cumberland Choral Arts
to perform Handel's 'Messiah'
by ELIZABETH BLEVINS
EVENTS
Cumberland Choral Arts is set to perform "Messiah" Dec. 14 at First Presbyterian
Church.
ELIZABETH BLEVINS, Up
& Coming Weekly Correspon-
dent. COMMENTS? Editor@
upandcomingweekly.com. 910-
484-6200.
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