SUNBURY -- Susquehanna Valley Chorale welcomed 12 new singers for the 2008-09 season following auditions earlier this month.

Rehearsals have begun for the first concert of the "Music of the Masters Past & Present" season to be performed at Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury, at 3 p.m. Oct. 18-19.

The Chorale, soloists and orchestra, under the direction of William Payn, will perform "Requiem" by John Rutter (1945- ) and "Messe Solennelle (St. Cecilia)" by Charles Gounod (1819-1893).

A pre-concert talk by Dr. Gary Boerckel of Lycoming College is scheduled at 2:15 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door or online at www.svcmusic.org. Adults are $12, students $5. For more information call 523-1041.