A concert of sacred musical prayers will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at St. John Vianney Church.

The concert, performed during the season of Lent, includes work by Bach, Tartini, Von Bingen, Previn, Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Górecki and Golijov.

Though inspired by a score called “Tenebrae: Prayer in Song” by Argentinian composer Golijov, the concert is not a traditional Tenebrae service with liturgical readings.

“It is just a sacred musical concert of beautiful work from the very early Baroque and late Classic/Romantic periods,” organizer Jennifer Krikawa explained.

The pieces span a period of time beginning with composer Hildegard von Bingen (1098 – 1179) to contemporary composers such as Osvaldo Golijov (1960 – ).

Krikawa has gathered a first-rate group of singers — many of whom have previously performed with Vashon Opera — and musicians for the concert. In addition to Krikawa, singers will include Julia Benzinger, Holly Boaz and Rebekah Kuzma. Violinist Karin Choo will lead a string quintet comprised of Dan Brandt, Mary Manning, Doug Davis, Patrick Christie and herself. Regular St. John Vianney musicians Charles Lovekin, Michelle Casad and Kevin Pottinger will provide keyboard accompaniment.

Krikawa said the selections for the concert were chosen with care.

“The pieces in ‘Tenebrae: Prayer in Song’ will allow listeners to experience for themselves the music that moves the heart and deepens the experience of prayer,” she said. “The concert is so titled to reflect the idea that joins the individual compositions and the final work together: beautiful, powerful prayer.”

Admission is by a suggested donation of $15 at the door.

­— Juli Goetz Morser