The Sippican Choral Society begins the 2015-2016 season with its first rehearsal on Monday, Sept. 14 at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church in Reynard Hall, located at 27 Church St. New members are welcome to join the chorus simply by coming to the one of the first three rehearsals, Sept. 14, 21 and 28.

Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. every Monday evening, but singers are asked to arrive by 7:15 p.m. for their first rehearsal in order to register and receive music. Membership is $35 per semester. All voices are welcome (soprano, alto, tenor and bass), and no auditions are required.

As always, everyone who has sung with the chorus in past years will be welcomed back. This year the chorus is especially inviting back anyone who has been a part of it at any time over the last 50 years.

Under the direction of its new Music Director Dr. Tianxu Zhou, the chorus will be rehearsing for its 50th annual Christmas concerts, which it will present on Friday evening, Dec. 4 at Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford, and at Tabor Academy’s Wickenden Chapel in Marion on Sunday, Dec. 6.

These concerts will feature the chorus’s most popular Christmas music over the past half century, beginning with Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” with orchestra accompaniment. Other music will include “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Still, Still, Still,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and “Prayer of the Children.”

The chorus once again will be joined by the Southcoast Children’s Chorus under the direction of Leslie Piper, which will perform several pieces. Both choruses will then perform three pieces together.

Now beginning its 51st season, the group performs at least two concerts every year, singing the works of the world’s great composers as well as popular music.

For further information about singing with the Sippican Choral Society this year, call Peter McDonald at 508-748-0286. Those who cannot make the first rehearsal are asked to contact him.