Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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Cumberland Oratorio Continues Christmas Tradition by JANICE BURTON On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra are joining forces to give the community a wonderful Christmas present: the annual Messiah Sing. "The Messiah Sing is really a tradition in Fayetteville," said Dr. Michael Martin, the director of the Cumberland Oratorio Singers. "When I took the group a few years ago, they had not done the performance for a couple of years, and there was a great interest in reviving it. So we brought it back and it has become a standard part of the holiday for many in the community." The idea behind the Messiah Sing is simple: Anyone who knows the music can sing. Although Martin would prefer those wishing to sing attend a pre-performance dress rehearsal on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Martin noted that the chorale grows each year following this performance. "It's not huge growth, but we do pick up some new members," he said. So you might wonder what is required to be a member of the Cumberland Oratorio Singers or to take part in the Messiah Sing. "You have to have a love for singing," said Martin. "But you also have to have dedication. It's more than just coming to rehearsals. We are trying to present very professional choral music. So people need to do preparation on the outside, not just at rehearsal. Performances need to be professionally conceived, so people who are serious about choral music will come." Martin said it's not about being the best singer, but rather about singing with confi dence. Of course, it helps if you can carry a tune. "If you sang in college or high school, you are welcome to sing with this group," he said. But for those who are not interested in a long-term commitment, the Messiah Sing is ideal. "We've always tried to really provide a quality holiday experience for the community," said Martin. "Something about hearing "The Messiah" at the beginning of the season really put people in the right mood for the holiday. People leave feeling a little enthralled, which makes it a nice experience to kick-off the holiday season." He believes the partnership with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will bring an added degree of professionalism to the performance, and he sees the partnership as enduring. "Partnering with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra to perform the Messiah Sing is really appropriate," he said. "We hope that this can become a tradition that we do each year for the holiday season." Prior to "The Messiah" performance, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers will perform a selection of Christmas carols. Then following a brief intermission to allow the orchestra to get into place, the Messiah Sing will begin. Martin noted, that due to the length of "The Messiah", this is not a complete performance. Those wishing to sing with the group, will be asked to stand at their seats because there is not enough room on the stage. They are asked to bring their own sheet music. The performance begins at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit the Cumberland Oratorio website at cumberlandoratoriosingers.org or the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra website at www. fayettevillesymphony.org. JANICE BURTON, Associate Publisher, Up & Coming Weekly, COMMENTS? janice@upandcomingweekly.com Opening Night Tickets $10.50!* Thu. DEC. 15 7:00 PM* Fri. DEC. 16 7:00 PM Sat. DEC. 17 2:00 PM 6:00 PM Sun. DEC. 18 2:00 PM *Excludes VIP Dining, Rinkside and VIP seats. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply. www.disneyonice.com WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2011 UCW 13 For groups of 10 or more call (919) 510-0641 Regular Ticket Prices: Additional fees may apply. 182579 © Disney