Argentinean bandoneon maestro Marcelo Nisinman to perform Palmeri’s Misatango with Prima Choral Artists on June 28

Bandoneon player Marcelo Nisinman

ARGENTINEAN bandoneon master musician and composer Marcelo Nisinman will perform Martin Palmeri’s Misatango in a fusion of Latin Mass and Latin American Tango for one night only at York Guildhall on June 28.

This will be the finale to Eve Lorian’s Sacred Rhythms – From Chant To Tango concert with Prima Choral Artists, pianist Greg Birch, Yorkshire mezzo-soprano soloist Lucy Jubb and the New World String Quintet, who will be travelling to York from various parts of the UK expressly for this 7.30pm concert (doors 7pm).

“Marcelo has worked with outstanding musicians across Europe and the Americas, and it’s a genuine pleasure and honour to have him here with us in York for this event,” says Eve.

“His talents are in high demand across Europe and his constant performance and recording schedule has seen him collaborate with the likes of Gary Burton, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia, among many, many others.”

Growing up in Buenos Aires, the young Nisinman met the legendary composer and bandoneon virtuoso Astor Piazzolla, who would rehearse at his parents’ home.

Prima Choral Artists’ director Eve Lorian with Misatango composer Martin Palmeri in New York in 2019

Invited by the great man to stand behind him to learn the secrets of his interpretations, Nisinman’s experience fuelled the raw emotion, tenderness and fiery passion of his bandoneon playing.

“It is no coincidence that Marcelo finds himself in our city this summer as our special international guest: this engagement is more a meeting of musical minds,” says Eve, who led Prima formerly under her professional Polish name of Ewa Salecka.

For more than 15 years, York producer, conductor and choral director Eve has been presenting choral and orchestral events, backed by the very best musicians and guest soloists, courtesy of her enviable network of international contemporary performers stretching back to her dedicated academic classical training as a pianist and composer.

Eve, who moved to Britain 20 years ago and to York four years later, has prepared and directed choirs of every size and form in concert programmes at home and abroad across Europe and in the United States, leading Prima Choral Artists to the technical levels they enjoy today.

“It was on one of my Carnegie Hall visits with Prima that I had the pleasure of working directly with Misatango composer Martín Palmeri, so his most celebrated work is very close to my heart and that of the choir,” she says.

Prima Choral Artists in concert

Both Eve and Marcelo are committed to presenting “accessible, intelligent music that breaks the mould and offers an exciting new experience to their audiences”. Hence this collaboration between these driven musicians promises a night of thrilling and passionate music.

“There’s no better vehicle for this than Palmeri’s Misa A Buenos Aires, fondly  known as ‘Misatango’,” says Eve. “A unique Mass setting, it is infused with the passion and syncopation of tango. Featuring intense rhythmic drive, lush harmonies, and moments of spiritual depth, this modern mass is a showcase of Latin American sacred innovation.”

Prima will begin the concert by demonstrating their sweeping range of styles in Echoes of Faith & Rhythms of Life. The York choir will present pieces by Mozart, Randall Thompson, Astor Piazzola and Prima favourite Ola Gjeilo, all specifically chosen by Eve to showcase their diversity.

Instrumental accompaniment and stand-alone pieces will be performed by the New World String Quintet, formed by leading musicians from Opera North, in tandem with Nisinman.

Eve is delighted to welcome back mezzo-soprano soloist Lucy Jubb for her second performance of Misatango with Prima as the highlight after the interval. “As an experienced opera soloist, Lucy’s talent and warm vocal timbre form the perfect bridge between the emotion of Misatango and its sacred content,” she says.

Eve Lorian: Conductor, producer and performance coach

This celebration of sacred, sublime and sensual music, conceived, produced and conducted by Eve, will mark the 15th year of Prima Choral Artists events. “It is only fitting that this milestone anniversary is accompanied by our hand-selected programme accompanied by world-class musicians,” she says.

“Although the programme may be perceived as a little ‘unknown’ or ‘niche’ to some, it is thoroughly accessible and absolutely guaranteed to delight all tastes.”

Tickets are on sale at primachoral.com. “Due to the limited seating available in the historical venue of York Guildhall, early booking is highly recommended,” says Eve. 

Did you know?

EVE Lorian’s choir has resumed the name of Prima Choral Artists. “Prima Vocal Ensemble is no more in use,” she says. “Same choir, new (old) name.”

Prima Choral Artists to conclude 2024 with Family Christmas concerts at St Olave’s

Prima Vocal Ensemble artistic director and producer Ewa Salecka

PRIMA Choral Artists will perform two Family Christmas concerts at St Olave’s Church, Marygate, York, on December 14 and 21.

“As the festive season approaches, I’m thrilled to present a new series of two very special 4pm concerts in the heart of York,” says Prima Vocal Ensemble artistic director and producer Ewa Salecka.

“Residents and visitors alike are warmly invited to join the Prima Choral Artists, New World String Quartet, pianist Greg Birch and guest musicians for two afternoons of Christmas music for all ages.

“These feel-good, one-hour concerts of instrumental and choral music guarantee high-spirited festive favourites, from Carol Of The Bells, Sleigh Ride and The Sussex Carol to stunning choral arrangements of much-loved seasonal pieces from respected contemporary choral composers.”

On the billboard: Prima Vocal Ensemble in New York

Uplifting music, including pieces by Tchaikovsky and Vladimir Rebikov, will be performed by New World String Quartet, while audience carols will include Hark The Herald Angels Sing, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Ding Dong Merrily On High.

Under Salecka’s baton, Prima Vocal Ensemble, a progressive mixed-voice York choir with a reputation for musical diversity, have enjoyed a typically exhilarating year of events in 2024, fuelled by her desire to push the boundaries of choral performance.

“With consecutive sell-out events at home and exciting collaborations in the United States, Prima continue to attract talented singers and raise the bar for choir experiences in the area,” says Ewa, who combines all-embracing creative concert programming with modern and effective vocal coaching and more than 20 years of conducting experience.

“Since the pandemic, I’ve worked passionately on a gentle re-profiling of the choir. For the singers, this has meant embracing new challenges, with ever-higher standards of performance.

Prima Vocal Ensemble members in New York in June 2024

“And they rise to each and every challenge! When I reflect on the sense of excitement and commitment each person shows every week, superlatives fail me. I’m so extremely proud of this group and their constant open-minded approach to new ideas, new genres and new projects. I feel very fortunate to lead them in creativity.”

In June, the choir enjoyed a reunion concert with double Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin at New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall, strengthening Salecka’s already phenomenal connections with American choral producers.

On November 23, Prima performed Opera Nights, Broadway Lights! at the National Centre for Early Music, York, showcasing the best of opera and musical theatre. “This concert sold out two months ahead of the event and due to its popularity may be repeated,” says Ewa.

Next year will mark the 15th anniversary of Prima Vocal Ensemble. “We are always happy to hear from new singers who wish to add their voices to this progressive group,” says Ewa.

Prima Vocal Ensemble taking part in a concert at Carnegie Hall, New York in June 2024

“All voice types are welcome to apply. There is a waiting list for sopranos and altos, but if any tenors or basses would like to sign up, you can be sure that I am always on the leading edge of contemporary choral trends. There are no formal auditions and you are guaranteed a brilliant time. Please email info@primavocalensemble.com for more details.”

To find out more about Prima and the opportunities to be enjoyed with the choir, visit primavocalensemble.com.

Family Christmas with Prima Choral Artists, St Olave’s Church, Marygate, York, December 14 and 21, 4pm to 5pm; doors 3.30pm. Tickets update: selling fast for both concerts, available from primavocalensemble.com in the final chance to experience Prima until 2025.