Music : I Cantori Sings in Thorne Hall

What is the most effective way to attract and provoke the next generation of classical-music audiences? Ask Edward Cansino, founder and leader of I Cantori, the splendid vocal octet that began its new season Friday night in Thorne Hall at Occidental College.

Challenge the young, Cansino would probably say; entertain them with first-rate music, then maintain visual communication to balance aural input by offering attractive sights as well as stylish sounds. At least that was the message in the diverting but far from lightweight program the conductor put together for this occasion.

A sampler, not an anthology--the differences are crucial--was the format, aided in large ways by clever and sensible pacing.

Music by Josquin, Fernandes, Barber, Mozart, Schumann, Bartok, Villa-Lobos and Joan LaBarbara, among others, was treated to intelligent and sensitive performances, readings of clear word and transparent sound-texture. Cansino’s unobtrusive staging of the entire program created an engaging musical package.

Only one programming misstep--an overlong, sometimes disingenuous suite of George Gershwin songs--clotted the otherwise free-flowing agenda. The rest, in a kaleidoscope of musical styles, all smartly projected, made its marks effectively.

Ironically, the weakest link in this performance was the consistency of sound quality produced by the singers. Intonation could be variable; not all high notes emerged easily; some sustained notes were not pretty. Nevertheless, the accomplishment and vigor of the group cannot be faulted.

Assisted affectionately and handsomely by pianist-keyboardist Brent McMunn, percussionist Timm Boatman and flutist Lisa Edelstein, the resourceful singers of I Cantori are: Catherine Mccord Larsen, Diane Thomas, Kerry Walsh, Brian Asawa, Joseph Golightly, Scott Whitaker, Norman Goss and Kenneth Knight.