Words and music

If your words were set to music, would they be a rock opera, folk ballad, opera, or pop tune? Former filmmaker and poet Derek Jarman gave Donna McKevitt permission to put his words to music, and the British composer created "Translucence," an expression of sorrow, anger, and anxiety about Jarman's experiences living with HIV/AIDS. The chamber piece has its Boston premiere tonight at the World AIDS Day Benefit for AIDS Action Committee with local countertenor/composer Steven Serpa (above), vocal ensemble Anthology, and members of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra and New England String Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. $20 donation. Arlington Street Church, 351 Boylston St., Boston. 617-450-1519. www.aac.org JUNE WULFF