Misatango

A Unique Fusion of Choir and Tango

Misa a Buenos Aires, widely known as Misatango, is a groundbreaking work by Argentine composer Martín Palmeri that blends the dramatic rhythm of tango with the powerful expression of choral music. Palmeri drew inspiration from his two musical passions: tango and choral conducting. His goal was not simply to adapt tango for choir, but to create a mass where the Latin liturgical text meets the soul of the tango orchestra.

The result is a work where the choir sings expressively and with ease, supported by the bandoneón, piano, and strings that bring tango’s rhythm and emotion to life.

Today, Misatango continues to unite singers and audiences around the world through its unique blend of sacred tradition and Latin American spirit. It has become a centerpiece of many international choir festivals and singalong projects — a truly unforgettable experience for both performers and listeners.

April 09 - 13, 2026

Prague

We are inviting choirs and individual singers from all over the world to come and perform this music under the baton of Maestro Saul Zaks and with the renowned composer Martin Palmeri!

Perform the Misatango at world famous Smetana Hall in Prague. Sing and conduct your own choir on stage at the “Night of the Choirs” concert at wonderful Simon and Jude right in the heart of Prague, one of europes most impressive cities.

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Martín Palmeri

Composer

From two important musical experiences in my personal musical history - arranging tango music and directing choirs - the idea emerged to write a work that somehow integrates these two experiences that developed independently. It was always my intention to arrange tango for choral groups, attempting to maintain the “essence” of the genre. The existing choral repertory lacked neither “a cappella” nor accompanied tango arrangements, but while previous arrangements were sometimes acceptable, they have not been satisfactory. Though the technical and expressive possibilities of choral voices is great, for some reason it is difficult to achieve the precision that the tango genre requires.
Taking this into account, my objective in this composition was to maintain the harmonic language, rhythms, melodic designs, and all of the characteristics of tango within the orchestral score, thus allowing the chorus to have full liberty to just “sing the mass.” My decision to use the Latin text could be explained by the place of the Latin language among centuries of choral music and the universal connection to the language. But I have to say that my decision also carries the weight of my aesthetic requirement: Latin gives the work a reserved, esoteric quality which, from my point of view, has much to do with tango - especially progressive tango.

Martín Palmeri

Argentine composer Martín Palmeri is the creative mind behind Misatango – Misa a Buenos Aires, a groundbreaking fusion of tango and sacred choral music that has captivated audiences around the globe.
Born in Buenos Aires in 1965, Palmeri studied composition, conducting, piano, and voice with renowned teachers in Argentina and New York. His diverse musical background is reflected in his broad output: from choral works and concertos to operas and oratorios. His opera Mateo premiered in Argentina and was later staged in Vienna. His Magnificat was featured in the Gewandhaus Leipzig, and his large-scale works have been performed in prestigious venues from Rome to New York.
Palmeri frequently performs his own compositions, both as conductor and pianist. Misatango, premiered in 1996, has been performed across Latin America, Europe, the United States, Israel, and even Africa. Highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall, Basilica San Ignacio de Loyola in Rome (in honor of Pope Francis), and being selected for the ateliers of Europa Cantat in Utrecht.
Palmeri’s music combines rhythmic vitality with lyrical depth, always maintaining a strong connection to his Argentine roots. His compositions have earned numerous national and international awards and are featured in recordings from Italy, Latvia, and Argentina.

Saul  Zaks

Conductor

Argentine conductor Saul Zaks is the Artistic Director of the Misatango Festival and a long-time collaborator and friend of Martín Palmeri. Known for his expressive conducting and deep knowledge of Latin American music, Zaks has brought Misatango to audiences across Europe and South America.
Born in Buenos Aires in 1961, Zaks studied conducting in Jerusalem and Denmark. He served as conductor of the Southern Denmark Student Orchestra and the University of Southern Denmark Chamber Choir for over a decade and has been leading the Music Students Choir at the University of Aarhus.
Zaks is a passionate advocate for choral music and has taught at major institutions in Latin America, including the University of Buenos Aires and the Universidad Católica de Paraguay. He has collaborated with iconic artists like Mercedes Sosa and Pablo Ziegler, and his recordings have been recognized with multiple international nominations, including a Latin Grammy.
Through his leadership, the Misatango Festival has grown into a vibrant international platform for choirs and musicians to celebrate this powerful work in iconic venues.

Pablo Mainetti

Bandoneon

Widely regarded as one of the foremost bandoneonists of our time, Pablo Mainetti brings deep authenticity and creative vision to Misatango. Born in Buenos Aires and educated in Argentina, Barcelona, and Paris, Mainetti has performed with nearly every major tango ensemble and symphony orchestra across Europe and Latin America.

He has appeared as soloist with orchestras such as the BBC London, Orquesta Nacional de España, and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and collaborated with artists like Mercedes Sosa, Ute Lemper, and Joan Manuel Serrat. His recordings include works by Piazzolla and original compositions ranging from tangos to chamber operas.
As both a performer and composer, Mainetti is a driving force in contemporary tango. His bandoneon playing in Misatango weaves passion, rhythm, and depth into the heart of the music.

Daniela Tabernig

Soprano - Soloists & Orchestra

Argentine-Austrian soprano Daniela Tabernig is one of the leading voices of her generation, known for her expressive power and dramatic depth, particularly in the lirico spinto repertoire. She was honored by Argentina’s Konex Foundation as one of the top five singers of the decade.

A graduate of the Teatro Colón Institute in Buenos Aires and the Maria Callas Conservatory in Athens, Daniela has performed in major opera houses and concert venues across Latin America, Europe, the United States, and China. Her concert repertoire includes works by Rossini, Rutter, Strauss, Beethoven, Mahler, Haydn, Verdi, and Shostakovich.

Her collaborations with internationally renowned conductors and directors have earned her a reputation as a highly versatile and sought-after artist. In Misatango, her voice adds soaring emotion to the fusion of tango and sacred music.

Violinissimo – Youth Chamber Orchestra

Erding/ German

The award-winning Youth Chamber Orchestra Violinissimo from Erding, Germany, is a shining example of musical excellence and innovation. Founded in 2004 by violinist Ulli Büsel, the orchestra gives young string players the opportunity to lead, perform, and grow artistically — often without a conductor, guided instead by peer leadership and chamber music principles.

Violinissimo has performed on prestigious stages including Carnegie Hall (New York), the Golden Hall of the Musikverein (Vienna), and the Mozarteum (Salzburg). They have represented Germany at international festivals in Singapore, Poland, Austria, and the USA, and are frequent winners of national competitions like Jugend musiziert.
Through its dynamic and collaborative spirit, Violinissimo brings youthful energy and precision to every performance. In Misatango, their vibrant sound creates a powerful foundation for the fusion of choral voices and tango rhythms.