The Hesston College European Chorale will kick off its biennial European tour with a concert during Hesston College Commencement Weekend at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. The concert is free and open to the public.

The 37-voice choir, under the direction of Bradley Kauffman and with accompaniment provided by Ken Rodgers, will perform nine concerts in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France and Spain May 8 to 29. Choir members represent both Hesston College choirs – Bel Canto and Chorale. The trip will mark the first time that a Hesston College choir has visited the south of France and Spain.

Hesston College choirs have taken a European tour every two years since 1980. Aside from concert appearances, students will also explore the history and culture of the countries they visit, visit historical Anabaptist and early Mennonite sites and stay with host families.