BANDONEON master Julian Rowlands will travel up from London to be the special guest at Saturday night's concert by Prima Vocal Ensemble and the Prima String Quartet in York.

"Michael Le Belfrey Church, in the heart of York, will move to a distinct rhythmical pulse as classical finesse meets fiery Latin spirit in a rare performance of Misa A Buenos Aires by Argentinian composer Martin Palmeri," says Prima Choral Artists musical director Ewa Salecka.

"This contemporary piece blends the devotional mass text with the unmistakable heartbeat of the tango scored for mixed chorus, mezzo soprano, piano, string quintet and, of course, bandoneon, the quintessential tango instrument popularised by Astor Piazzolla.

The 7.30pm concert is presented by Salecka with the massed voices of Prima Vocal Ensemble, joined by the York professional musicians of the Prima String Quintet; pianist Greg Birch on piano and guest mezzo soprano Lucy Jubb, as well as Julian Rowlands.

"Palmeri’s 1996 Misatango takes the singular dance style from the streets of Buenos Aires and lifts it into a polished contemporary sound," says Ewa. "The result is a rich cultural work, mature and pleasing to the ear, and yet always remaining true to the simmering passion of the tango."

In the first half, Prima Vocal Ensemble will set the Latino mood with a selection of smooth bossa, samba and mambo numbers sung in Spanish, English and Brazilian Portuguese. "There will be arrangements of standards such as Más Que Nada, Corcovado, Bésame Mucho and many more, all with jazz trio with Greg Birch on piano, Caspar Haslam on percussion and Alice Phelps on double bass," says Ewa.

She and her singers are no strangers to promoting York both nationally and globally through carefully selected and rarely heard music. "Saturday's event marks our second contemporary mass setting this year, having previously performed Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna with the newly formed Prima Concert Orchestra in May, so Palmeri’s stylish work certainly plays to forte," says Ewa.

Her enthusiasm for engaging York's singers, musicians and audiences in new music remains a guiding principle: "It doesn’t matter how many times we present these opportunities; linking our city, its community singers and local musicians with national and international artists; award-winning composers and professional overseas ensembles; we are always filled with pride," says Ewa. "It is so culturally rewarding to make it happen for York.”

Tickets for Misa A Buenos Aires cost £17.50, £15 or £6 from the York Theatre Royal box office, on 01904 623568, at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or on the door from 7pm.