WHEN Garcia Lorca and Manuel de Falla organised the Concurso del Cante Jondo in 1922, it was to keep alive that ancient music of Andalusia, the cante jondo or 'deep song'. But one wonders what would Lorca have made of its modern progeny, flamenco, and its contemporary experiments? The Arts Festival programme Fascinacion del Flamenco by Victor Monge (or 'Serranito') would delight both the traditionalist and the avant garde. As a guitarist Monge stands among the greats, such as Sabicus and Paco de Lucia. As a composer he blends traditional forms (sevillanas, solea, bulerias and fandangos) with contemporary ideas in voicing, rhythm, harmony and new instrumentation. One of the notable innovations in this performance was the use of the rain stick, a borrowing from the Zuni Indians of the American southwest. Monge avoided mere cleverness of novelty for its own sake. The rain stick, for instance, combined with the delicate, rippling guitar chords evoked a recurring theme - the Guadalquivir river which meanders through that famous centre for flamenco, Sevilla. This connection would have pleased Lorca for he heard in the ancient cante jondo, the sounds of nature, the resemblance to the singing of birds or to the sound of flowing water. The other artists in the ensemble, Juan Carlos and Carlos Gomez (guitars), Fernando Galvez (vocals), Victor Monge 'junior' (percussion) and the exceptional Joaquin Ruiz (dancer) brought to the performance a level of virtuosity and expressiveness rarely assembled on one stage. They appeared in a variety of combinations, from the haunting, solo voice through to the entire ensemble where the full incantatory power of the music was realised. And yet such moments highlight a dilemma. How can this music be presented to large audiences while maintaining the Dionysian nature of its inspiration? Unfortunately, there's no simple answer. Flamenco is at its best in intimate settings. Mutual encouragement and arousal between performers and audience is part of the experience. Nevertheless, there was more than enough passion and intensity in Monge's performance to transcend the formality of the Concert Hall. Aficionados of flamenco will be gratified; novices will experience an art as ancient and profound as song itself. Fascinacion del Flamenco, Victor Monge 'Serranito' and Group. February 21-22. 8pm. Cultural Centre Concert Hall
