The South Metro Chorale, a concert choir serving the south suburban communities of the south metro area, will kick off its 11th concert season with rehearsals beginning Sept. 2.

The choir provides a broad spectrum of experiences and repertoire, including accompanied and a cappella music of the masters, American folk music and African American spirituals. Jazz, Broadway, pop, gospel and blue grass arrangements also are performed at the annual “Cabaret” show. Concerts are presented in various auditoriums and churches in the area.

The 2009-09 season begins with “Christmas Around the World” presented Dec. 5-7. The Cabaret Show is March 7-8 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center and, in the spring, the choir will present “I Hear America Singing.”

Also included in the program for the new season is a concert tour of Ireland June 20-29; three concert tours of Europe, including two international festivals, have already been a part of the SMC experience. The upcoming tour is open to all singers from the area who have the ability and time to participate and membership in the SMC is not required.

Auditions for membership are being held now through Sept. 16; call (952) 253-9027 or (612) 309-1732 to schedule an audition. SMC will be adding singers in all voice parts. Rehearsals begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2 at Hidden Oaks Middle School in Prior Lake.

For more information, visit www.southmetrochorale.org or contact Chorale Director Loren Squires at (612) 309-1732 or lmusicl@aol.com.