Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and the upcoming Evening with the Cross Creek Chorale at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church promises an evening that will do just that.
On Saturday, March 21, the Cumberland Choral Arts will showcase the Cross Creek Chorale, a select chamber ensemble drawn from the organization’s larger chorus. The result is a performance designed to be both intimate and musically rich, offering audiences a chance to experience the power of choral music up close.
According to Curt Kinzey, Artistic Director for Cumberland Choral Arts, the upcoming concert was carefully designed to appeal to a wide audience while still highlighting the artistry and versatility of the ensemble.
“Audiences can look forward to a vibrant and eclectic program,” Kinzey said. “We’ve chosen music that spans centuries and styles, from the intricate beauty of Renaissance-style religious motets to contemporary art songs inspired by the theme of water. We’re also including recognizable favorites from Broadway and the silver screen, so there is truly something for everyone.”
While the program moves through a variety of musical eras and genres, the selections are connected by a deeper theme: the shared human experience.
“Our goal is to take the audience on a journey that inspires and entertains,” Kinzey explained. “Each section of the program highlights a different emotional perspective, reminding us of the common experiences that connect us all.”
The repertoire itself reflects a balance between familiar favorites and fresh material. Some selections revisit highlights from previous Cumberland Choral Arts concerts, while others introduce new pieces that challenge the ensemble and showcase the capabilities of a smaller vocal group.
Among the works Kinzey is particularly excited about is Johannes Brahms’ Geistliches Lied, Op. 30, a piece widely admired within the choral world for both its beauty and its technical brilliance.
“It is a true marvel of choral literature,” Kinzey said. “To the listener, it sounds serene and effortless, but the structure behind it is incredibly complex. Brahms wrote it as a strict double canon at the ninth, which means there are two simultaneous canons moving between the voice parts. It’s an extraordinary example of craftsmanship hidden beneath music that feels humble and comforting.”
Performing a piece like this highlights the strength of the Cross Creek Chorale as a chamber ensemble. While all its members also perform with the larger Cumberland Choral Arts chorus, this smaller group allows singers to explore repertoire that requires greater precision, agility, and vocal independence.
“Cross Creek Chorale is a select, auditioned ensemble,” Kinzey explained. “Working in a smaller group allows us to tackle music that demands a higher level of detail and focus. Every voice matters, and each singer plays an essential role in shaping the overall sound.”
“When everything aligns, tuning, rhythm, and expression, there is a kind of magic that happens,” Kinzey said. “It creates a performance that feels incredibly focused and emotionally cohesive.”
The concert also highlights the continued importance of community choral music in Cumberland County. Organizations like Cumberland Choral Arts provide opportunities for people from many backgrounds to come together through music while also offering audiences meaningful live cultural experiences.
“Choral music is a powerful bridge-builder,” Kinzey said. “It brings people together for a shared purpose and reminds us of our common humanity. In a world where so much of our entertainment happens through screens, there is something truly special about hearing voices blend together in the same space.” For those who may be attending their first choral concert, Kinzey offers a simple invitation. “There is something primal and powerful about the sound of human voices singing together,” he said. “Come experience it. It’s not just a concert it’s an opportunity to unplug, listen, and leave feeling more connected.”
With its diverse repertoire, intimate setting, and talented ensemble, the Cross Creek Chorale concert promises an evening where music tells stories, emotions resonate, and audiences are reminded of the enduring power of the human voice.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4dgtJkv. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 1601 Raeford Rd.

(Photo: The Cross Creek Chorale performs during Cumberland Choral Arts' Broadway show in 2024. The smaller chorale is an audition group within CCA. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cage, CCA)