Internationally-acclaimed baritone, Anthony Brown, will join the Hesston College Bel Canto Singers for two performances in tribute to the slave experience and African-American spirituals on Sunday, March 31, as part of First Presbyterian Church, Wichita’s Durfee 360 lecture series.

At 10:45 a.m., Hesston College President, Dr. Joseph A. Manickam, will deliver the message at First Presbyterian Church (525 S. Broadway, Wichita), and the choir and Brown will perform several spirituals

That same afternoon, at 3 p.m., at Mark Arts (1307 N. Rock Rd., Wichita) Bel Canto and Brown will present a full concert, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” The concert is free and open to the public. Doors open at 2:15 p.m.

The Durfee 360 lecture series identifies and provides opportunities for the First Presbyterian congregation and the community to explore the broad spectrum of religious and cultural issues facing contemporary Christians.

During the Lenten season, First Presbyterian is engaged in a study of the African-American slave experience and African-American spirituals, which will be highlighted by the Hesston College/Brown performances.

An international promoter of peace, Brown is founder of the Peacing it Together Foundation, an organization that serves the global community as a resource for peace and social justice. He uses music and the spoken word to bring people together across the divides of race, culture and religion. Brown’s travels have taken him to countries experiencing unrest, where he has seen music transform and heal.

The Bel Canto Singers are Hesston College’s premier vocal ensemble. The 25-voice mixed chamber choir is under the direction of Dr. Russell Adrian. The group carries out ambitious concert and touring schedules annually. Recent juried appearances have included performances for VOCES8, Chanticleer, The King’s Singers, Charles Bruffy and The Rose Ensemble.