The 2012-13 Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts season will bring five exciting performances from a wide variety of traditions, cultures, eras and mediums to venues at Hesston College and Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.).

“We have a fantastic season lined up,” said Director Matthew Schloneger. “I’m particularly excited that we will be welcoming Sweet Honey In The Rock and the Turtle Island Quartet, two of the top ensembles in the world in their respective genres, to our series for the first time.”

The season kicks off with string chamber ensemble Turtle Island Quartet at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11, at Hesston College’s Hesston Mennonite Church. By fusing the classical aesthetic with contemporary American styles, the quartet won a Grammy Award in 2006 and 2008 for Best Classical Crossover Album.

Highly acclaimed baritone David Adam Moore will perform a multi-media seasonal concert of Franz Schubert’s song cycle “Die Winterreise” (“A Winter Journey”) at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2, at Hesston Mennonite Church.

Grammy-winning women’s a capella ensemble, Sweet Honey In The Rock, will grace the Bethel College Memorial Hall stage with their rich sounds of African-American legacy and traditions at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2.

Ballet Folklorico “Quetzalli” de Veracruz will mix music and folklore featuring regional dances of Old Mexico with music performed live on authentic stringed instruments at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, at Bethel’s Memorial Hall.

The final performance of the season brings to the stage the first prize winner of the 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, Calmus, at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 14, at Hesston Mennonite Church. The vocal ensemble performs a range of music from Renaissance to contemporary choral repertoire and popular songs.

Season tickets are available from $75 to $85 for adults. Single tickets can also be purchased across price ranges for individual performances. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 620-327-8158 (Hesston College) or 316-284-5205 (Bethel College), email hbpa@hesston.edu or visit the HBPA website at www.hesston.edu/hbpa.

The Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts Series, now in its 31st year, is a collaborative effort of Hesston College and Bethel College, presenting five performances by world-renowned or regionally acclaimed artists each year. HBPA is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency which believes a great nation deserves great Art, Excel Industries and Hustler Turf Equipment (Hesston), the cities of Hesston and North Newton and area patrons.