The Hesston (Kansas) College Bel Canto Singers will present a diverse repertoire of choral music at 7:30 p.m. on May 19, at Kirkland Congregational Church during their spring tour to the Northwestern United States May 13-19.

The program entitled “Asylum: worth, beauty, and refuge” features music ranging from renaissance motet to South African and African-American freedom songs and recent works. The concert draws inspiration from Hesston College’s 2014 common read “Escape from Camp 14,” a New York Times bestseller by Blaine Harden. The program champions the cause of human rights and celebrates refuge in its many forms.

The 24-member, mixed chamber choir represents 10 states and two countries, and is conducted by Bradley Kauffman.

The 2014-15 year marks the 31st season for Bel Canto Singers. The ensemble carries out ambitious concert and touring schedules annually. Combining high artistic standards with unique performance opportunities, Bel Canto Singers provides first- and second-year college musicians access to experiences typically reserved for third- and fourth-year students. Recent juried appearances include performances for the King’s Singers, Charles Bruffy and the Rose Ensemble. In May of 2013, Bel Canto ushered in its fourth decade with a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall in a mass choir presentation of Brahms’ “Requiem.”

Located 30 miles north of Wichita, Hesston College is the two-year liberal arts college of Mennonite Church USA.