True flamenco

It was wonderful to see Maria Bermudez on the cover of the Calendar section (“The Next Flamenco,” Sept. 28).

Agustin Gurza did an excellent job of parsing the dilemma faced by flamenco, an art that must pander to the culturally unevolved to survive while, one would hope, retaining enough authentico and duende to still be called flamenco.

It is a fine line indeed. Often one does not know whether to yell “Ole!” or “Rock on, Senor!” As in the worlds of classical music and jazz, many consider electrified instruments an abomination. But anything that fills seats has a certain validation in a society mired in schlock.

Ed Young

Granada Hills