Concentus, a select community choir, will be performing a benefit choral concert on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2:30 p.m. in Yoder Recital Hall at Bluffton University and Sunday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Findlay First Presbyterian Church.

This choir, formed in the fall of 2003, will present a program of songs with the theme Al'elouya: Let The Whole World Sing. The first half of the program will include choruses from major works, often including a variation of the "Alleluia" text.

The second half of the program will be songs from around the world: Haiti, Israel, Spain, Brazil, and more.

A free will offering will be taken at the program. The offering will go to support the relief efforts in east Africa, where there has been severe drought and famine.

Concentus was formed to offer an opportunity for area musicians to sing in a highly skilled chamber ensemble. The name "Concentus" is a Latin word meaning "singing together," "harmony," and "unity."

The 24 singers in the choir come from Bluffton, Defiance, Findlay, Lima, Pandora and Toledo. Allison Ringold is the accompanist and Dr. Mark J. Suderman is the conductor. Both teach in the Bluffton University music department.