New singers are being encouraged to join the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus. (Photo Provided)

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus is inviting new singers to join the group for the 2021-22 season.

“The WVSO Chorus looks forward to an exciting, rewarding return this fall and a tremendous year of music-making,” symphony Director David Castleberry said.

The chorus has a schedule filled with performances for the season. The group will perform Handel’s “Messiah” with the symphony under Castleberry’s baton on Dec. 18 and will have a featured part in “Sounds of the Season,” the symphony’s traditional holiday pops concert on Dec. 4.

In the spring, the chorus will again join the symphony under the direction of Maestro Larry Loh for a production of Mozart’s “Requiem” on April 2. All three productions will be presented at the Clay Center in Charleston.

Previous choral experience is helpful, but not required, and singers are expected to possess sight-reading skills. Inquiries about joining the chorus to can be sent to Castleberry at castlebe@marshall.edu.

Weekly rehearsals begin 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at Christ Church United Methodist at Quarrier and Morris streets in Charleston.

Singers will be expected to wear masks for all choral rehearsals, in accordance with symphony policies and recommendations by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Educators and other respected music organizations,

Singers also will be required to present proof of vaccination when registering or at the first rehearsal. The safety of all chorus members is everyone’s concern, and all appropriate precautions will be taken to ensure a healthy, problem-free experience for all participants.

Entering its 83rd season, the symphony is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, family and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State.