In with the new

It's fondly, irreverently known as "Sick Puppy," but New England Conservatory's annual SICPP (Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance Practice) is "sick" in the best sense of the vernacular, as in "cool," "awesome," etc. Under the direction of pianist Stephen Drury, the contemporary music intensive offers high-level workshops for performing musicians and free nightly concerts for the public featuring the SICPP faculty and Drury's acclaimed Callithumpian Consort. One of Japan's most eminent composers, Jo Kondo, is this summer's composer-in-residence and will have works featured throughout the Institute. Renowned new-music pianist Aki Takahashi is featured at tonight's opening concert with the Callithumpians, and Saturday's blowout is the legendary "SICPP Iditarod!" featuring six hours of ear-twisting music. Today-Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. Free. New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough St. 617-585-1122. sicpp.org