The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and Cumberland Choral Arts are once again coming together to present Handel's Messiah, a cherished holiday tradition in the Fayetteville community. Known worldwide for its powerful 'Hallelujah' chorus, Handel's Messiah is a fixture of the holiday season, bringing joy and inspiration to audiences year after year.
FSO's Executive Director, Anna Meyer, expressed her excitement about continuing this beloved tradition.
“The Fayetteville Symphony looks forward to Handel's Messiah every year. It has become a beloved holiday tradition in our community, and we love sharing the stage with CCA. All are invited to attend this fabulous concert,” she said.
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of talented musicians and leaders, brings a rich history of musical excellence to the stage. Their collaboration with Cumberland Choral Arts, known for their exceptional vocal performances, creates a powerful and memorable rendition of Handel's Messiah.
"Over the years, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers/Cumberland Choral Arts organization has offered Messiah as a gift to the community," added CCA Director Dr. Michael Martin. "The way our organization connects to the Fayetteville community is vitally important and my effort is always to keep that spirit every time we perform it."
Students from The Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and Campbellton Youth Chorus will also contribute to the evening's performance, showcasing the next generation of talented musicians and adding an extra layer of depth to the concert.
Handel crafted Messiah, an oratorio in English that chronicles Jesus Christ's narrative, during 1741. Messiah premiered in Dublin on April 13, 1742, followed by its London debut approximately one year later. Though initially met with moderate public interest, the oratorio's popularity grew steadily until it became one of Western music's most recognized and performed choral compositions. The 'Hallelujah' chorus stands as one of Baroque choral music's most celebrated pieces and the composition's most universally recognized segment. Although originally intended for Easter celebrations, Handel's highly accessible Messiah has evolved into a Christmas season tradition as well.
Mark your calendars for Dec. 7 at Seabrook Auditorium, located at 1200 Murchison Road. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Attendees can also enjoy preshow music from students of The Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and Campbellton Youth Chorus starting at 6:30 p.m.
This concert is free to attend, but reservations are required. Tickets can be reserved online here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404/production/1208235. You can also obtain tickets by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or by registering at the door the night of the concert. Due to high demand, it is highly encouraged to register ahead of time to secure your seat in the auditorium.
Also, be sure to mark your calendars for the Fayetteville Symphonic Band's highly anticipated Holiday Concert, which is scheduled to take place on December 3rd. Under the expert direction of conductor Daniel McCloud, the Fayetteville Symphonic Band will present a delightful and festive concert that is completely free of charge. This joyous event will be held in the beautiful Huff Concert Hall, located at Methodist University, providing an excellent venue for enjoying the holiday spirit through music.
The Fayetteville Symphonic Band is an integral program of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, designed to be inclusive and accessible to the entire community. It warmly welcomes community members of all ages, as well as students, to participate and play in the Fayetteville Symphonic Band. This initiative not only fosters a love for music but also encourages collaboration and camaraderie among musicians from diverse backgrounds. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of live music and celebrate the holiday season with the Fayetteville Symphonic Band! For more information on the Fayetteville Symphonic Band and more up-and-coming shows visit: https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/fayetteville-symphonic-band/