A Review: The Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company in “Flamenco Vivo!”

February 28, 2013 – 7:30 PM - Touhill Performing Arts Center - St. Louis, MO

On a dark silent stage, the dim lights shone on Paco Pena’s guitar as the opening chords of the Fandango set a profound mood of authentic traditional Flamenco music. Suddenly the powerful voice of singer Jose Angel Carona burst forth in a searing wail of ‘cante hondo’ or deep song. In that moment the audience in the Touhill Theater was pulled into a musical and artistic field of energy, emotion and spirit that took us on a two hour trip into the heart of the great and ancient art of Flamenco – in all its glory! This was the real deal! Unlike other staged and choreographed Flamenco productions the program flowed in an organic way with each moment of guitar, song, percussion and dance appearing to grow out of the previous moment. Mr. Pena never allows a printed order of pieces in the program, so we were not distracted from the magic of the present moment or tempted to project ourselves into the future by thinking that we knew what was coming next. The spontaneous and improvised feeling of each note, rhythm or movement riveted us to each amazing moment as it happened. In addition to his brilliant guitar work, this style of presentation is part of the genius and greatness of Paco Pena – along with his uncanny ability to attract and collaborate with other artists who also pour out their souls with the same level of passion and love of Flamenco – the heartbeat of Spain. And pour out their soul they did! The dancers were all marvelous. Daniela Tugues’ was extraordinary and convincing in her Tientos. Charo Espino, in a sensitive duet with Mr. Pena, astonished us with what must be the finest castanet playing in the world. Then in her Seguiriya she hypnotized us with her grace, artistry and understanding of the unique rhythm of this dramatic Flamenco form. Angel Munoz was the definition of mastery in his Farruca where he embodied a dynamic balance between dazzling technique and speed of footwork with sensitive and musical movements of upper body, arms and hands. His Solea was like watching poetry in motion as he evoked a deeper and more poignant feeling. Throughout the evening Mr. Pena generously highlighted the gifts of the other two guitarists, Rafael Montilla and Paco Arriaga as well as the percussionist Julio Cesar Alcocer and allowed them to shine and take the lead at all the right moments. There were also times where Christina Pareja’s singing was so intense and transcendent that it appeared that she was the star of the show! But then, this was true of whoever was performing at the moment. This supportive sharing of the spotlight among the performers is one thing that sets Paco Pena’s company apart

 

from others. The spontaneous ‘fin de fiesta’ encore brought the audience to their feet at least three times - as we all felt a part of one of the best Flamenco jam-sessions ever! Every detail of the evening’s performance revealed the most amazing synthesis of authentic Flamenco art grounded in respect for the pure tradition seamlessly integrated with the best of contemporary styling found in Spain today. What an absolutely stunning and terrific way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Year of The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society.

- By Ronald Radford, Flamenco Guitarist - (www.ronaldradford.com)

 

 Editor’s  Note:    Mr.  Radford  will  be  performing  at  our  50th  Anniversary  Dinner  on  June  9  2013.  

 

 

Ronald  Radford