Cumberland Choral Arts, Fayetteville’s local community choir, will wrap up their 2024-25 season with a concert on Saturday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students.
While all Cumberland Choral Arts concerts showcase the talent of vocalists in our community and share the beauty of choral music, this concert is special for two additional reasons. First, this concert will be a preview of the work that members of CCA will perform in June at Carnegie Hall. At that time, some members of the choir, under the direction of Artistic Director Michael Martin, will perform “Lux Aeterna” at the famed concert hall in New York City. The second reason that this concert is such a pivotal one is that it is the final concert under the direction of Dr. Martin.
Lux Aeterna-Eternal Light
This final concert under Martin’s direction promises to be a memorable one. The centerpiece of the evening will be Morten Lauridsen’s ethereal “Lux Aeterna,” a work of profound beauty that holds special significance for Dr. Martin.
“Lux Aeterna,” Latin for “eternal light,” is a Requiem Mass, yet its essence leans towards hope and serenity rather than somber reflection. Lauridsen’s compositional style, often described as neo-Renaissance with echoes of Gregorian chant, allows the music to flow seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of sound. Martin eloquently describes the powerful impact of the work, noting how audiences are drawn to its “rich chords” and how it stands as “singularly different” from many other orchestral and choral arrangements. He also highlights how the music resonates deeply with the performers.
“This is one of those pieces that is challenging; the musicality that is needed requires a lot of monitoring and effort from the conductor,” Michael shared. This performance will mark the second time he has conducted this deeply personal piece.
Adding to the richness of the program, the concert will also feature two other pieces by Morten Lauridsen, which will be conducted by the incoming Artistic Director, Maj. Curt Kinsey, and performed by the Cross Creek Chorale. This seamless transition within the program itself symbolizes the passing of the baton and the exciting future that lies ahead for Cumberland Choral Arts.
Dr. Michael Martin-Artistic Director
For fifteen years, with a brief hiatus between 2017 and 2020, Martin has been the guiding force behind the Cumberland Choral Arts, nurturing its growth and artistic vision. His journey with the ensemble began in 2008, continuing until 2017 when personal reasons led him to step away. However, his commitment to the organization remained strong, and in 2020, when the Artistic Director who had succeeded him resigned, he returned to provide crucial interim leadership. His return coincided with an unprecedented global challenge. Just days after his first rehearsal back on Monday, March 9, 2020, the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into lockdown, sending the choir home by the end of the week.
Despite the immense obstacles, Martin’s dedication shone through. He skillfully navigated the uncharted territory of virtual rehearsals and productions, ensuring the choir remained connected and artistically engaged through online videos. When the ensemble was finally able to reconvene in person, the response was heartening, with membership numbers reflecting the deep appreciation for the continuity and artistic direction Martin provided. Reflecting on his tenure with the organization, Martin expressed immense satisfaction with the organization’s growth and the supportive role of its board, which he credits with making his job as Artistic Director fulfilling.
Martin, who serves as the choir director at Pinecrest High School and at Sandhills Community College, expressed his gratitude for his time with the Cumberland Choral Arts. With family commitments becoming a greater focus, he feels now is the time to step away from leadership of CCA.
Reflecting on his tenure at his various positions in this area, which included time as a choral director at Methodist University, Dr. Martin shared that he is grateful for the ability to contribute to the growth of the music community in Fayetteville. He assured the membership that while he is stepping away from the Artistic Directorship, he intends to lend his other talents to the organization in the background, assisting with the transition to Kinsey’s leadership. He emphasized his willingness to help as needed, while also respecting the space required for Kinsey to establish his own vision. Notably, Martin has no plans to become involved with another community choir, indicating that his focus remains on supporting the Cumberland Choral Arts in this new phase.
He poignantly described his time with CCA as a significant part of his life’s work in fostering a vibrant musical community in Fayetteville, especially after the elimination of the arts programs at Methodist University.
“CCA has always been the constant, the support system and opportunity-maker for me,” he shared. “When I look back on 15 years with this group, the only word I can come up with is grateful.”
He expressed his satisfaction in leaving the organization in capable hands, stating, “It’s nice to be able to leave something better than you found it, and know that it is in good hands.”
The announcement of Michael’s retirement in February was met with quiet sadness, a testament to the deep respect and affection the choir and community hold for him. However, the subsequent announcement of Maj. Curt Kinsey’s appointment as his successor was met with enthusiastic cheers, signaling the excitement and optimism surrounding the next chapter of Cumberland Choral Arts.
A New Era for CCA
Kinsey brings a wealth of musical experience to the position. A Major in the Army, he has conducted bands and choirs for the military across the nation. His background in leading diverse musical ensembles promises a dynamic and engaging future for CCA.
Looking ahead, Cumberland Choral Arts, under Kinsey’s leadership, will undoubtedly continue to enrich the cultural landscape of Fayetteville. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Choral’s role in celebrating and preserving American musical heritage will be more important than ever.
The events of May 17 will extend beyond the final note, with a reception planned following the concert. All attendees are invited to the reception. This will provide an opportunity for the audience to meet and greet the performers, offer their heartfelt farewells to Dr. Martin, and warmly welcome Kinsey into his new role.
Tickets for this significant concert are priced at $15 for adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased in advance through the Cumberland Choral Arts website or at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. on May 17, with doors for seating opening at 7 p.m. This promises to be an evening of exceptional music, heartfelt farewells, and enthusiastic anticipation for the future – a fitting culmination to a remarkable season and the beginning of an exciting new era for Cumberland Choral Arts.

 

(Photos: Above: Members of Cumberland Choral Arts pose for a photo after performing in Prague. Above left: Dr. Michael Martin will be stepping down as artistic director following the performance of Lux Aeterna at Carnegie Hall. Bottom left: Maj. Curtis Kinsey will be stepping in as the new artistic director. Photos courtesy of CCA)