New York Philharmonic to perform in Pyongyang

NEW YORK (Xinhua) - The New York Philharmonic has accepted an invitation from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to perform a concert in Pyongyang, the orchestra's president, Zarin Mehta, said Tuesday.
The concert will take place on February 26 at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater, and will be the centerpiece of a 48-hour visit on February 25-27, said Mehta, who is also executive director of the New York Philharmonic, the oldest active symphony orchestra in the United States.
The national anthems of both countries will be played by the Philharmonic, said Mehta, adding that the visit comes "at an exciting time" when both countries "are at the cusp of normalizing relations."
The national anthems of both countries will be followed by Wagner's Prelude to Act III of "Lohengrin," Dvorak's "New World Symphony" - written while the 19th century Czech composer lived in the United States - and Gershwin's "An American in Paris."
"This journey is a manifestation of the power of music to unite people," Mehta added.
The DPRK's UN ambassador, Pak Gil Yon, told the joint news conference with Mehta that he did not know if DPRK leader Kim Jong-il would attend the performance.
He also said he would not comment on the political ramifications of the trip, except to say it would strengthen relations.
"The scheduled visit will surely strengthen the understanding and cultural relations between the people of the two countries," Pak said.
"Since the New York Philharmonic's first international tour in 1920, the Orchestra has shared its artistry in 420 cities in 58 countries on five continents," said Paul B. Guenther, chairman of the New York Philharmonic.
"However, the February concerts on the Korean Peninsula are unique - they grow out of the Philharmonic's tradition of speaking on a world stage, on significant occasions, in the international language of music," he said.
The orchestra will be led by conductor Lorin Maazel, who has led more than 150 orchestras in more than 5,000 opera and concert performances.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• DPRK
• north
• korea
• classical
• new
• york
• ny
• philharmonic
• orchestra
• pyongyang

[ydnab]

Shut up about your goddamned political fucking hatred, and delight in the fact that inspirational and gorgeous music is being brought into a world of turmoil. Embrace music, and forget your petty opinions for once.

[ydnab]

I don't consider my land evil. I DO consider my moronic politicians [none of which I've voted for] incompetent, greedy, corrupt assholes. They give our country a bad reputation, and it doesn't help that all of the hedonism is so publicly glamorized. No one's country is "The Best," but don't disrespect me because you don't like what you see about my country. It is not the face of me, I am the face of me, as would be anyone else.

[TheBarry4929]

sham on ny puppet of north korea wrong wrong

[lighangel]

seriously N.K UN ambassador? learn how to speak english

he's reading a script and still stumbling

[dahwang12]

Do me a favor and erase your own existence from this world.

[dahwang12]

That's what I was thinking when I first heard they were going. Well, I don't care. NY Phil will always be my favorite regardless.

[georgexxx83]

American orchestras are pointless

[bliggityblack]

Really? what country are you from?

[wrrrrr2020]

USA has proven itself as the economic vampire of the planet...a money and stabilty vaccuum.

The sooner the filthy USA and its surrogate maggots in Europe wither away - the better.

Too bad there are no more Indians to kill, the cowboys might have another circle the wagons after raping and killing babies moment...after Iraq.

Well, there is always Iran?

[dibeas]

Actually Brazil is part of South America

[dibeas]

How ironic since your profile suggest that you live in the USA.... why so much hatred? you're so bitter ...sounds like you've been brainwashed yourself. Pretty sad.