Ottawa's only Samulnori team, Otta-Pae, performed last Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ottawa.

The performance was the third of three cultural events that takes place exclusively for the students studying Korean language at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

The event began with a brief introduction of the performers, along with a short description of each of the percussion instruments traditionally used in Samulnori.

The performance itself was wonderful, and reminded the audience how captivating the art of Korean Samulnori can be.

Following the group's recital, the performers then provided a more in-depth look at each instrument, and gave the students a detailed description of the technique and style used to achieve the desired sounds of Samulnori.

The final portion of the event was perhaps the highlight of the evening.  Language class students were given the opportunity to ask questions about the music they'd just heard, and were then given the chance to try each instrument for themselves.  This proved to be a very engaging way to connect the students with the Samulnori percussion that they'd just heard.