On Saturday, Nov. 22, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra invites music lovers to enjoy an afternoon or evening of wit, warmth, and world-class musicianship at Arts XL located at 214 Burgess St., Fayetteville. The concert, titled “Coffee Cantata,” will feature two performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s comedic masterpiece, along with his Orchestral Suite No. 2. Doors open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. matinee and again at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. evening performance.
Tickets are available online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/, by calling the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the day of the event. Discounts are offered for seniors, military, college students, children, and Cumberland County Schools employees, making this an accessible event for the entire community. This concert is made possible in part by generous grants from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council.
A Blend of Music and Humor
This engaging program is a highlight of the FSO’s 2025–2026 season, celebrating the lighter side of classical music with Bach’s “Coffee Cantata.” Often described as a miniature comic opera, the work humorously depicts a daughter’s obsession with coffee and her father’s attempts to cure her of it, a theme that feels surprisingly modern for a piece written nearly 300 years ago.
Led by Music Director Stefan Sanders, the performance will feature a chamber ensemble and three distinguished vocalists who will bring Bach’s playful story to life. To complement the mood, coffee and pastries will be served, allowing audience members to sip along with the symphony’s storytelling literally.
Between Bach’s humor and his musical brilliance, the concert promises an afternoon or evening that blends artistry, comedy, and community connection for a truly “stimulating” experience for the senses.
Spotlight on the Soloists
The FSO is proud to present three acclaimed soloists whose combined talent and stage experience promise to make “Coffee Cantata” sparkle with charm and vocal excellence.
Anna Flynn, soprano, brings a fresh and expressive voice to the production. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Voice Performance and the University of Tennessee with a M.M. in Voice Performance, Flynn has performed a range of operatic roles, including Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel, Serpetta in La Finta Giardiniera, and Frasquita in Carmen. Her concert repertoire includes Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore. Based in Columbia, SC, Flynn performs regularly throughout the Southeast.
Jaeyoon Kim, tenor, is an internationally trained artist with an impressive academic and performance background. Holding a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of South Carolina, Dr. Kim has also earned master’s degrees in both Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance, as well as an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Currently a Professor at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Dr. Kim directs the University Chorale and Pembroke Singers, leading major choral works by Handel, Mozart, and Haydn. A resident of Fayetteville, he also serves as Music Director at Hay Street United Methodist Church and teaches at the Montecito International Music Festival in California.
Ramelle Brooks, bass, adds depth and resonance to the trio. A native of Fayetteville and graduate of Fayetteville State University, Brooks holds both Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Music Performance from the University of South Carolina. His diverse resume includes roles with Opera Carolina, Sounds of Charleston, and Augusta University Opera Theatre, performing in operas such as Madame Butterfly and The Magic Flute.
Currently, he is an Assistant Professor of Voice at South Carolina State University and serves as Director of Music at Second Calvary Baptist Church in Columbia, SC.
A Cultural Cup Worth Savoring
FSO’s “Coffee Cantata” offers more than just a concert—it’s an experience. By combining fine music, a touch of humor, and the welcoming aroma of coffee, the event bridges the gap between classical tradition and contemporary enjoyment. Whether you’re a devoted symphony-goer or a newcomer seeking something fresh, this program provides a perfect blend of culture, community, and caffeine.
As FSO Music Director Stefan Sanders notes, “Bach’s Coffee Cantata reminds us that even the greatest composers knew how to have fun. It’s a story about family, love, and the little indulgences that make life sweet, just like coffee itself.”
Bach’s "Coffee Cantata" will be held Nov. 22. Grab a cup and settle in for a delightful musical escape with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Don’t miss this chance to savor Bach’s humor, hear some of the region’s finest voices, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon or evening of music, laughter, and latte love.