The Bel Canto Singers from Hesston College will perform in four Mennonite congregations in Kansas and Missouri, and one public high school in Kansas during its winter tour February 5-9.
The 20-voice mixed ensemble was selected by competitive audition in the spring of 2008. This winter, they will perform a concert of sacred choral music featuring an eclectic repertoire. The ensemble is conducted by Bradley Kauffman, Hesston College music faculty member.
This is Kauffman’s second year on Hesston College’s music faculty where he chairs the department and directs the instrumental music program. Prior to coming to Hesston, Kauffman was director of instrumental music at Bethany Christian Schools, Goshen, Ind., and director of choral and instrumental music at Iowa Mennonite School, Kalona, Iowa. He holds a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Iowa.
During the 2008-09 school year, the Bel Canto Singers will perform at major school events, in local churches, on tour, and by special invitation.
Hesston College, located in south central Kansas, is the two-year liberal arts college owned by Mennonite Church USA.
The concerts of sacred choral music are free and open to the public. Alumni and friends of Hesston College are especially invited to attend the following concerts:
- Thursday, February 5, 12:15-1 p.m., Osage City High School, 515 Ellinwood, Osage City, Kan.
- Thursday, February 5, 7 p.m., Southern Hills Mennonite Church, 511 SE 37th Street, Topeka, Kan.
- Friday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Peace Mennonite Church, 615 Lincoln Street, Lawrence, Kan.
- Sunday, February 8, 9:30 a.m., St. Louis Mennonite Fellowship, 3752 Giles Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
- Sunday, February 8, 7 p.m., Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church, 27221 South Sycamore Grove Road, Garden City, Mo.
For more information about the tour, contact Dallas Stutzman at Hesston College, toll-free at 866-437-7866 (866-HESSTON), locally at 620-327-8109, or e-mail DallasS@hesston.edu.