Building upon a rich 19-year history, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers announces its 2010-2011 season.

"With new singers to welcome into the group, new concert venues and performance partners to embrace, and new masterpieces to present, COS is excited to begin its new season," says a spokesman.

As the group has grown over the past 24 months, new opportunities have emerged, allowing for the presentation of classical choral music throughout the Cape Fear region.

A fitting tribute to American composers called "An American Sampler" will kick off the season Friday, Oct. 22, at Hay Street United Methodist Church, downtown Fayetteville.

Featured on this program will be works by Clausen, Dawson, Fine, Lauridsen, Luboff and others to create a sampling of great American choral music.

The traditional December holiday "Messiah Sing!" is open to singers throughout the community and is presented as a free concert to all who wish to attend.

"Handel's 'Messiah' is a timeless classic that we gladly offer to the residents of Fayetteville as our gift to the community," says the spokesman. "More importantly, it is your moment to sing. If you have performed 'Messiah' in the past, we urge you to join us on stage on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, in Fayetteville."

Friday, April 1, at Berean Baptist Church, COS will present the John Rutter masterpiece, "Requiem."

A much-anticipated combined performance with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra of Ralph Vaughn Williams' "Serenade to Music" will bring the season to a close Saturday, April 30. Originally written for 16 soloists, the COS will combine with the Methodist University Chorale to perform the classic choral work in Reeves Auditorium.

For information, call Maureen Yearby at (910) 527-8687 or Michael Martin at (910) 850-2929.