Choir of the Earth launches Misatango - a Latin Mass with an Argentinian twist
Choir of the Earth launches its new online choral course today, inviting singers around the world to learn, sing and record Martín Palmeri’s thrilling Misa a Buenos Aires, better known as Misatango.
The course begins with a public launch at 17:00 UTC+1 (UK time) on Tuesday 1 September 2026. The session will introduce the music and explain how singers can take part, with a recording available afterwards for anyone unable to attend live.
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Misatango combines the traditional Latin text of the Mass with the rhythms, harmonies and distinctive character of Argentine tango. Written by Buenos Aires-based composer and conductor Martín Palmeri, the work is scored for mixed choir, mezzo-soprano soloist, bandoneon, piano and strings.
Across the familiar movements of the Mass - Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei - Palmeri brings together classical choral writing and the unmistakable sound of tango. Its memorable melodies, dramatic contrasts and driving rhythms have helped Misatango become a firm favourite with choirs and audiences around the world.
Each movement has its own character, from a compelling Kyrie destined to become an earworm and a Gloria with groove to spare, to the rhythmic, syncopated Sanctus and the more lyrical passages in which the soloist rises above the choir and instruments. At the heart of the accompaniment is the bandoneon, the expressive instrument closely associated with Argentine tango.
Choir of the Earth first learned and recorded Misatango in 2021. Five years later, the Choir is returning to this exciting work with a new course running throughout September and October 2026.
The course will be led by Choir of the Earth’s Musical Director, Ben England BEM. Ben has more than 30 years of experience in teaching, conducting and performing, and has led choirs and orchestras both in the UK and internationally. His pioneering work in online music-making and music education has earned him the British Empire Medal, among other awards.
Choir of the Earth is a global online choir, bringing singers together to learn major choral works from home. During each course, Ben teaches the music line by line through live full-choir and voice-part rehearsals on YouTube. The teaching goes beyond learning the notes, exploring musical interpretation, theory and the background of the work to help singers understand the music in greater depth.
Each week, members can attend a one-hour full-choir rehearsal and a dedicated one-hour sectional rehearsal for soprano, alto, tenor or bass. They are also welcome to attend any of the other sectional rehearsals and may learn and record more than one voice part if they wish. All rehearsals are recorded and remain available, so members can catch up or take part entirely in their own time.
Singers are supported by high-quality rehearsal resources recorded by professional singers and musicians. For Misatango, the piano accompaniments for the rehearsal tracks have been recorded by Martín Palmeri himself.
At the end of the course, singers will have the option to record their individual vocal parts at home. Choir of the Earth’s audio team will then combine the submissions from singers around the world with Palmeri's piano accompaniment and strings and bandoneon recorded by the fantastic Ensemble Tango XXI in Buenos Aires to create a complete performance, which will be shared in an online concert premiere.
No previous choral experience is needed. The music is taught step by step, allowing newer singers to develop their skills and confidence, while giving experienced choristers the opportunity to explore the work in detail. Members may also attend simply to learn and enjoy the rehearsals, without submitting a recording.
Please note, Misatango is only available as a printed score. Information about where to purchase the correct score is provided to members within the Choir of the Earth Members Area.
The public launch can be watched live or on demand, and full details of the course and Choir of the Earth membership are available here.