Talent 2003 (Norway, Mali and China) The Talent project is an annual event. It's a crossover thing, with young talents from Norway meeting talent from other parts of the world. It is supervised by more established artists. The main ideas are friendship across borders, and increased knowledge and respect for each others culture. In Talent 2003 the Norwegian trio "Dei Svevnlause" met young talents from Mali and from China. To me it was a strong experience to hear the typical Chinese string parts played at Norwegian Hardanger Fiddles. Another example of friendship across borders, Thaa Drum Orchestra (Sri Lanka) Thaa Drum is a stunning dance and drum ensemble, from Sri Lanka. What really makes them unique is that the ensemble has tamil and Singhalese members working together, demonstrating mutual respect! Trio Fröjdö-Nyqist-Särs (Finland) introduced us to old folk tunes from the Swedish speaking parts of Finland. "When  'Finlanders' want to have fun they play in major, when they want to really have fun they play in minor" The trio claim that the Led Zeppelin classic Stairway to Heaven to be a traditional Finish song. Ensemble Kabul (Afghanistan), one of the few groups keeping the Afghan music traditions alive. Music has been banned for 20 years in Afghanistan. Can you imagine a life without music? Me, myself can't. You will find pictures from another,  Ensemble Kabul concert, at Page two. Per Sæmund Bjørkum and Kåre Nordstogo (Norway). This is a down sized version of Berg og Vatn, the group that won a Norwegian Grammy in 2002. The other members of the group are Tone Hulbækmo and Bjørn Kjellemyr. Senge (Madagascar) This first Senge show was without costumes, their luggage was lost at the airport. More Senge pictures at Page two. EthnoBass.org are working at a Senge Homepage, a part of our Hosting project. Tango, at its best, Gustavo Gancedo Tango Septeto (Argentina / France) Singer Deborah Russ More "standing intercourse" (Tango) at  Page three.

WZ Orkiestra (White Russia), was founded in 2002 by Zmicer Wojtyushkevoch. They introduced us to repertoire of folk ballads and rhythmic songs from Belorussia and surroundings. Most of the ballads are in a melancholic mood. I've had the pleasure of listening to their CD, its recommended. WZ Orkiestra playing outdoor. Zmicer Wojtyushkevoch is a very expressive stage personality. He is a gifted singer, but I believe there are some actor talents within him too. Ksenya Minchanka sang in perfect harmony with Zmicer. EthnoBass.org are working at a WZ Orkiestra Homepage, a part of our Hosting project. Risa Zvejnieki (Latvia). The name of this group means Rice fishers. The music is based in traditions, but Risa Z has a totally new eclectic approach. Some of their songs are jazzy. - Their main assets are two beautyfull and powerfull voices. The counterpart to the voices are some hypnotic repetitive riffs. Sometime the sound is a bit "Hedningarna goes to Latvia". The guitar (in the center) connects these elements. What they have in common are a affection for the Jews harp. Many of the bassriffs sounds like a imitation of this intrument.

 

This page Day One Opening Show (Talent 2003, Thaa Drum Orchestra, Trio Fröjdö-Nyqist-Särs, Ensemble Kabul, Per Sæmund Bjørkum and Kåre Nordstogo, Senge, Gustavo Gancedo Tango Septeto) WZ Orkiestra Risa Zvejnieki

Day Two Disquse Grenzgänger Anna Sidnina Aljub Senge Raduza Vasil Nechepa Theme Concert Ensemble Kabul Festival Night

Day Three Badeneya Les Frères Coulibaly Sans Majorstuen Gustavo Gancedo Tango Septeto The Gala Concert Swoja Droga Janune Toujour

Day Four Shine Blazin Fiddles