Cumberland Oratorio Singers

History

Cities around the world observed the 200th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's death in 1991, and Fayetteville was no exception. A group of approximately eighty volunteer singers responded to Mr. Alan Porter's request for chorus members to perform Mozart's Requiem Mass in D Minor. The performance, with full orchestra, on November 20, 1991, was a highly acclaimed success.

The endeavor was so much fun that the group came clamoring back to Mr. Porter for more, and he did not need much persuasion. He had long desired to direct a mixed adult community choir performing classical choral music. Guest soloists and a hand-picked orchestra from around the Carolinas (and beyond) would complete the set. Since then, COS has performed every season, usually offering two full-length concerts, a community Messiah sing, an appearance with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra at the holiday pops concert, and appearances at other local events. Our performance history includes Bach's Mass in B Minor, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Rutter's Requiem, and many other oratorios and shorter choral works.

For the 2003-2004 season, COS returned to its roots, presenting the Mozart Requiem once again. In the same season COS trod new ground, adding an additional spring concert to the season ticket.

Alan M. Porter, artistic director and conductor of the Cumberland Oratorio Singers from 1991-2008, taught music for over forty years. He holds the rank of Professor Emeritus of Music at Methodist University, where he taught voice and conducting until his retirement in May 1998. For many years he was the Head of the Music Department and Director of the Division of Fine Arts. His degrees are from Mount Union College and the University of Illinois and he has further studied at Ball State University. He is active as a tenor soloist and is in demand as a vocal and choral clinician. Mr. Porter retired as Director of Music at Hay Street United Methodist Church in Fayetteville in 2004, after 41 years of service. He continues to direct the Wilmington Choral Society in Wilmington, NC.

In 2008 Mr. Michael Martin was selected to succeed Mr. Porter.