The Bel Canto Singers from Hesston College will perform in Mennonite congregations in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas October 17-20 during fall semester break.

The 19-voice mixed ensemble was selected by competitive audition in the spring of 2008. This fall, they will perform a concert titled “Jehovah Abides Forever,” featuring an eclectic repertoire celebrating God’s faithfulness. The ensemble is conducted by Bradley Kauffman, Hesston College music faculty member. Sophomore Dustin Heppner, Salem, Ore., provides piano accompaniment.

Dallas Stutzman, vice president of Alumni and Church Relations, says this tour gives the college and the choir an excellent opportunity to connect with a diverse group of Mennonite churches. “The Bel Canto Singers will minister in rural, urban, and racial-ethnic congregations,” he said.

This fall marks the beginning of 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:

• Friday, October 17, 7 p.m., Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church , 1020 East 14th Street, Harper, Kan.
• Saturday, October 18, 7 p.m., Memorial Road Mennonite Brethren Church , 4201 East Memorial Road, Edmond, Okla.
• Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m., Joy Mennonite Church , 504 NE 16th Street, Oklahoma City, Okla.
• Sunday, October 19, 5 p.m., Iglesia Menonita Luz del Evangelio (Light of the Gospel Mennonite Church), 1524 Dowdy Ferry Road, Dallas, Texas.
• Monday, October 20, 7 p.m., Iglesia Menonita Communidad de Esperanza (Community of Hope Mennonite Church), 1721 North Garrett Avenue, Dallas, Texas

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 .