Hesston College’s premier vocal ensemble, Bel Canto Singers, is preparing for a tour to Washington and Oregon May 21 to 29, following the end of the academic year.

The 25-voice mixed chamber choir, under the direction of Dr. Russell Adrian, will present a program entitled “Grant Us Peace,” which was inspired by the college’s International Peace Day celebration in September, and features a culmination of works performed throughout the year focused on peace and justice. The concert features a cappella and accompanied works from Renaissance through contemporary composers with special music by soloists and small ensembles.

The tour itinerary includes:
Sunday, May 19, 7 p.m.
Rainbow Mennonite Church, 1444 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, Kan.

Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m.
Seattle (Wash.) Mennonite Church, 3120 NE 125th St

Friday, May 24, 2:30 to 2:55 p.m.
Western Christian School, 9045 Wallace Rd NW

Friday, May 24, 7 p.m.
Salem (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 1045 Candlewood Drive NE
Reception following concert

Sunday, May 26, 10:45 a.m.
Zion Mennonite Church, 6124 S Whiskey Hill Rd, Hubbard, Ore.

Sunday, May 26, 7 p.m.
Portland (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 1312 SE 35th Ave

Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m.
Bend (Ore.) Mennonite Church Heritage Hall, 230 NE 9th Street

Wednesday, May 29, 7 p.m.
Albany (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 3405 Kizer Avenue NE

Members of the Bel Canto Singers are: Erica Baer, Apple Creek, Ohio; Tanner DeGrado, Newton, Kan.; Harley Foster, Lancaster, Pa.; Risa Fukaya, Zushi, Japan; Elizabeth Fulcher, Goodland, Kan.; Esmi Hernandez, Newton, Kan.; Jaden Hostetter, Harrisonburg, Va.; Leah Huyard, Staunton, Va.; Chris Lichti, Shickley, Neb.; Nicole Loewen, Hutchinson, Kan.; Taylor Longenecker, Harrisonburg, Va.; Mariana Martinez, Harrisonburg, Va.; Rachel Miller, Freeman, S.D.; Jared Oyer, Hubbard, Ore.; Emma Prowell, Lenexa, Kan.; Raelynn Reeves, Abilene, Kan.; Seth Rudeen, Osage City, Kan.; Kenton Schroeder, Harper, Kan.; Jack Shingler, Creston, Ohio; Dylan Slabach Brubaker, Harrisonburg, Va.; Therin Smith, Key West, Fla.; Addie Swartzendruber, Henderson, Neb.; Madison Swartzendruber, Goshen, Ind.; Stephen Waltner, Freeman, S.D.; and Navy Widyani, Jakarta, Indonesia. Music professor Ken Rodgers is accompanist for the group.

The 2018-19 year marks the 35th season for the Bel Canto Singers. 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.