Argentine composer Luis Bacalov, who created scores for movies such as City of Women and Il Postino, for which he won an Academy Award, has also composed a unique piece called Misa Tango.

It's a traditional mass set to the untraditional rhythms of the tango -- and it highlights the music of an Argentine accordion, the bandoneón, as well as chorus and orchestra.

The piece debuted in Rome with Placido Domingo as tenor in 2000, and Victoria audiences can hear this unusual piece at the University of Victoria's Farquhar Auditorium on Saturday night.

Susan Young and Benjamin Butterfield will sing solos and Jonathan Goldman will play bandoneón.

"Jonathan is a major player of tango, having recorded many CDs and toured with his Tango group from Montreal," said Butterfield, who is just back from concerts with the Vancouver opera and symphony, and heads to Los Angeles and the National Arts Centre soon to perform Messiah.

He added the piece is "a unique setting of the formal liturgical mass fused with the rawness and rhythm of tango. It's a real crowd pleaser."

The 8 p.m. concert, which is being paired with a Schubert mass, will also feature the University of Victoria Chorus and Orchestra, and conductor János Sándor. Tickets are $16/$12 seniors/$5 students and children, at the UVic box office 250-721-8480.

-- Grania Litwin

Chorus shines light on youth

The Peninsula Singers present a special Christmas program this weekend at Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave. in Sidney. Conducted by artistic Director Glenda Korella, the 55-member community chorus will perform tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The program's Spotlight on Young Artists showcases Trio Con Fuoco, Rochelle Sumampong, Nelson Moneo and Jimmy Wang.

Tickets are $20, $10 for kids. Call 250-656-0275 for reservations. -- Joseph Blake

Guitarist to lead Jazz vespers

The Flora Scott Quartet is featured at this month's Jazz Vespers service at St. John's United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd., Sunday at 7 p.m. Scott is a veteran guitarist and vocalist who has performed with Slide Hampton and Ian McDougall and is a member of the Don Leppard Big Band. She will be joined Sunday night by the rhythm duo of bassist Sean Drabitt and drummer Josh Dixon, as well as saxophonist, clarinetist and flute player Roy Styffe.

Admission by donation. Call 250-656-0875 for more information. -- Joseph Blake