Get ready to rock! The Cumberland Choral Arts is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert, "Covers," a vibrant and energetic performance featuring popular rock and pop hits reimagined for choral voices. This unique concert experience will take place on Sunday, March 9 at 5 p.m. at Gray's Creek High School in Hope Mills. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
"Covers" promises an evening of electrifying music, showcasing the talents of not only the CCA, but also the Gray's Creek High School Choir, the Cross Creek Chorale, CCA’s smaller, auditioned ensemble, and the up-and-coming Campbellton Youth Chorus. Adding to the excitement, the Guy Unger Band will join the choruses, providing instrumental accompaniment on several pieces, and creating a dynamic fusion of rock instrumentation and choral harmonies.
This concert marks the fourth year that CCA has collaborated with area youth choirs and the second time they’ve partnered with Gray’s Creek High School. The inspiration for this ongoing collaboration comes from CCA’s Artistic Director, Michael Martin, who envisioned a way to introduce younger generations to the beauty and artistry of choral music.
“Our goal is to nurture the next generation of choral singers,” explains Sandy Cage, President of CCA Board of Directors. “We want to foster a life-long love of singing.”
The Campbellton Youth Chorus, directed by Lisa Packer, is a testament to this mission. With no participation fees, the chorus removes financial barriers, making involvement in the choir accessible to all children aged 9-16.
“Giving these younger singers a chance to perform alongside seasoned musicians is invaluable,” says Cage.
The "Covers" program features a diverse selection of pop rock classics from iconic artists like Billy Joel, The Beatles, The Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Queen and many more. The concert will culminate in a grand finale performance of Queen’s legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody.” While many pop songs are beloved, not all translate effectively to choral arrangements. The CCA has been meticulous in selecting arrangements that capture the essence of the original songs while showcasing the unique power of choral voices. Audiences can expect to hear familiar tunes in a fresh and exciting new light.
The relaxed atmosphere of the concert reflects the energy of the performance. In a departure from traditional formal attire, the singers will be sporting their favorite rock t-shirts, creating a fun and approachable environment for all ages.
The Cumberland Choral Arts has a rich history in the Fayetteville community. Originally founded as the Cumberland Oratorio Singers in 1991, the group’s inaugural performance was Mozart’s Requiem, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death. For many years, the CCA has delighted audiences with its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah alongside the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. In recent years, the organization broadened its repertoire beyond classical music, leading to a name change around 2018-19 to reflect the increasing diversity of its musical offerings. Looking ahead, the CCA is looking forward to its upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall in June 2025, where they will perform “Lux Aeterna.”
Tickets for “Covers” are $15 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased at the door or online at cumberlandchoralarts.org. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a unique and unforgettable concert that blends the power of choral music with the energy of rock and pop music. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students and can be purchased by visiting https://secure.givelively.org/event/cumberland-choral-arts/covers