New York Phil performs in North Korea
Though it is still unclear how the New York Philharmonic’s 48-hour stay will impact political relations between the U.S. and North Korea, it will forever go down in history as the first American orchestra performing in North Korea. North Korea, a nation described as using brutality toward its people, normally permits performances only of music that ruler Kim Jong-Il has approved or written. However, the New York Philharmonic, led by conductor Lorin Maazel, included “The Star-Spangled Banner” and George Gershwin’s An American in Paris in its repertoire, among other selections.
The New York Philharmonic concert was performed in Pyongyang Tuesday February 26th and this performance will be broadcast on Classical 89.5 Tuesday March 4th at 8 pm CST.
KMFA Music Director Sara Hessel says about the concert, “In my view, this concert is the best example of diplomacy. We hear so much about the things that divide the members of the human race, but in this historic performance we see the effects of that powerful agent of unity: music.”
General Manager & Program Director Jack Allen added, “Art is probably the most potent and meaningful export a free society can wield when dealing with a closed society. I am pleased that our current administration would not only permit but assist with this historic and enlightened effort to build a bridge of music to these isolated peoples. Nothing more need be said by the artists, politicians, pundits or cultural observers than the music of Wagner, Dvorák, and Gershwin.”
The Philharmonic’s 48-hour visit in North Korea concluded its 2008 Asia tour which included master classes, rehearsals, and visits to area theatres and banquets. Founded in 1842, the New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. They can be heard on KMFA Tuesday evenings at 8.
“I know but one freedom and that is the freedom of the mind.”
~~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery 1900-1944
“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is Music.”
~~ Aldous Huxley 1894-1963
