For 35 years, Cumberland Choral Arts has brought together voices, created musical experiences that connected generations, and celebrated artistic traditions. Now, as they embark on their 2026-2027 anniversary season, they are honoring their history while embracing new opportunities for growth under the leadership of artistic director Curt Kinzey.
The anniversary season is titled "It's About Time" and features seven concerts, which started in October and continue through to May. The season will showcase everything from beloved classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions and truly celebrates the diversity of choral music.
For Sandy Cage, president of the Cumberland Choral Arts Board of Directors, the milestone represents much more than three and a half decades of performances.
"CCA's 35th anniversary is a time to celebrate our musical history while looking toward the future," Cage said. "What began as community singers coming together to perform Mozart's Requiem in 1991 became the Cumberland Oratorio Singers and evolved into Cumberland Choral Arts, a dynamic organization that brings people of all ages together through the transformative power of song."
Throughout its history, the organization has cemented its part in Fayetteville's cultural landscape, collaborating with other artistic groups such as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and Cape Fear Regional Theatre. They also bring music into the community through appearances at Festival Park and local sporting events.
"This milestone represents the dedication of generations of singers, artistic leaders, audience members and donors who have sustained and enriched our organization," Cage said.
The anniversary season opened on Oct. 17 with "Time Pieces" at the Hay Street United Methodist Church. The sanctuary was filled with audience members and the performance featured the premiere of Song of Life, a newly commissioned work by local composer Theodore Schwamm.
The opening concert also introduced audiences to the newly expanded Fayetteville Youth Chorus, whose junior and senior ensembles brought 75 young voices to the stage. The opening performance established the season's central theme of time and explored the passage of time through music.
"Our season theme 'It's About Time' covers beginnings, minutes, middles, and evening, seasons, stages, and endings while still celebrating 35 years of Cumberland Choral Arts," Cape explained.
Among the season's most anticipated concerts is the December 12 performance of George Frideric Handel's Messiah, presented in collaboration with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. This will mark the first time Kinzey will conduct the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. The performance will also introduce four soloists new to the production.
The season will continue with "Lift Every Voice and Sing" in February, a musical journey through Black history with selections from movies and musicals. "All We Need is Love" will be the March concert and "Along the Way" performance in April. The season will conclude in May with Johannes Brahms ' Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem).
Unlike traditional requiems that focus on prayers for the deceased, Brahms' pieces talk of the comfort, consolation and peace for those who are experiencing loss. This monumental piece will feature an orchestra and two professional soloists.
For Kinzey, stepping into the artistic director position during such a significant anniversary presents an opportunity to build on an already strong foundation.
"It's wonderful that I'm inheriting an engine that's already firing on all cylinders," Kinzey said. "Stepping into an organization with 35 years of momentum is an absolute gift."
Kinzey brings experience conducting military and professional ensembles, a background that has helped shape his commitment to musical precision, discipline and artistic excellence. However, he also recognizes that directing a volunteer community choir requires something beyond technical expertise.
"What makes CCA so incredibly special is that these singers are volunteering their time purely out of love for the craft," he said. "My role is to balance that pursuit for precision with the authentic, heartfelt joy and sense of community they bring to rehearsals every single week. When you combine discipline with passion, magic can happen."
That combination of musical excellence and personal connection is central to his vision of the organization.
"It is entirely the sense of family. There is a rare and beautiful warmth in this group." Kinzey said. "The singers care just as much about the person standing next to them on the risers as they do about the music on the page."
One of the most significant developments in CCA's recent history has been its commitment to giving young singers the opportunity to learn and perform.
12 years ago, the organization created the Cambellton Youth Chorus to fill the need for accessible community choral education. This program has since expanded and was renamed the Fayetteville Youth Chorus.
This youth program now includes two ensembles. The Junior Choir serves students in grades four through six and is under the direction of Lisa Packer. The Senior Choir serves students in grades seven through twelve under the direction of Richard Butler. Both ensembles offer high-quality choral instruction and performance opportunities without any tuition costs for the participating families.
For Kinzey, expanding the youth program is an essential part of ensuring that Cumberland Choral Arts will continue to thrive for generations to come.
"Looking ahead, I hope to expand our educational footprint through the Fayetteville Youth Chorus, giving our youth a truly transformative musical home," he said.
As the organization looks toward its next chapter, the anniversary season serves as both a celebration of its past and a reminder that the most meaningful musical experiences are created not simply by the notes on the page, but also by the people who come together to sing them.
For the full concert schedule, performance details, and ticket information, be sure to visit the Cumberland Choral Arts website at https://www.cumberlandchoralarts.org/.

(Photo: Cumberland Choral Arts performs "Time Pieces" at an Oct. 17, 2026 concert at Hay Street United Methodist Church. The concert included a commissioned work by local composer Theodore Schwamm. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cage, president of the Cumberland Choral Arts Board of Directors)