In February 2008, the New York Philharmonic traveled to Pyongyang, capital of North Korea. Just before the main concert, there was an unprecedented performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet by four members from New York Philharmonic and four members from Pyongyang National Orchestra. Upon entering the grand music hall, the New York Philharmonic musicians were met with an audience of hundreds of North Koreans. Although the musicians had asked for private rehearsals with the North Korean musicians, at the behest of a North Korean director they were obliged to perform upon arrival. The performance went smoothly and drew praise from the audience. The performance was a testament to North Korea’s high regard for classical music, an unmistakable fact that forms the basis of my project detailed below.
HARMONY ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA
In February 2008, the New York Philharmonic traveled to Pyongyang, capital of North Korea. Just before the main concert, there was an unprecedented performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet by four members from New York Philharmonic and four members from Pyongyang National Orchestra. Upon entering the grand music hall, the New York Philharmonic musicians were met with an audience of hundreds of North Koreans. Although the musicians had asked for private rehearsals with the North Korean musicians, at the behest of a North Korean director they were obliged to perform upon arrival. The performance went smoothly and drew praise from the audience. The performance was a testament to North Korea’s high regard for classical music, an unmistakable fact that forms the basis of my project detailed below.
HARMONY ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA
Become a member for less than $4 per week.
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now
All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
