On February 8. Woodstock was privileged to host a spectacular concert by three gifted Norwegian percussionists, who perform together as "Sisu". Together they created a series of complex rhythms using standard percussion instruments (including drums, shakers and cowbells) and less obvious instruments - not least three large red balloons. It is hard to describe the impact of this performance, which was received with great enthusiasm by a crowded media centre audience. The audience appreciated the fine musicianship of the ensemble, but were just as much enthralled by their stagecraft and joyful presentation.Here is an mp3 recording of part of one of the pieces.

About the promoters

Spic Macay, The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth", is a non-profit, voluntary organization dedicated to promoting an awareness of Indian culture in schools and colleges throughout India. For the past 31 yrs, Spic Macay has exposed students to various forms of Indian Classical music, dance, folk art, craft and folk theatre, in schools, colleges and professional institutions through concerts, lecture demonstrations, baithaks and workshops, camps, conventions, as well as yoga activities and scholarship programmes.

With the support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,. Spic Macay in India and 'Rikskonsertene' a musical organisation in Norway have embarked on a three-year cooperative programme. This programme concentrates on communicating music of high quality to young people of both nations. Altogether 18 groups of musicians have been part of the exchange program within the last three years, reaching out to thousands of students. Hopefully, even though the societies and their cultural heritages are different, students will benefit from this venture.

As a part of this series, Spic Macay brings SISU ,the Percussion Ensemble from Norway to schools of Dehradun and Mussoorie. SISU percussion ensemble, established 1993, is one of Scandinavia's most prominent contemporary music ensembles and represents contemporary music of the highest quality.