Auditions are open for a new professional vocal ensemble based at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Areté Vocal Ensemble will be a group of professional artists in residence at CLU.

The ensemble's inaugural concert season will be in 20092010. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 8 and March 28 at CLU.

Singers interested in auditioning for the ensemble should have ample solo and ensemble experience, excellent sight-reading skills and familiarity with common vocal styles.

Under the direction of Wyant Morton, the ensemble will perform and record a wide choral repertoire including works from all periods of music history. Special attention will be given to contemporary, experimental, improvisatory, crossover and ethnic music.

Morton is the music department chair and conductor of the annual New Music Concert at CLU.

Areté, which takes its name from the Greek word meaning striving for excellence, will perform in different sizes and configurations and in various venues including concert halls, churches, clubs, festivals and performance spaces.

The ensemble will present music in formats that incorporate photography, video, dance and theatrical elements.

The ensemble will be the second professional performance group in residence at CLU. The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company became the professional theatre company of the university this year.

For details or to schedule an audition, call (805) 493-3307 or e-mail aretevocalensemble@me .com.

For information on Areté, visit www.aretevocalensemble.org/.