On February 26, 2008, the New York Philharmonic gave the first-ever performance by an American orchestra in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The concert was the centerpiece of a 48-hour visit that included master classes and a rehearsal open to music students.
The concert video is no longer available to view online.
Photos and videos by Chris Lee unless otherwise noted.
Posted: Mon., Feb. 25, 6:00 a.m. New York time
In January 2008 representatives of the New York Philharmonic traveled to Pyongyang to make the final preparations for the Orchestra’s February 25–27, 2008, visit. While there, they took some photographs of the sites that would be the Philharmonic’s home-away-from-home.
Photos by Brendan Timins
Posted: Mon., Feb. 25, 2:30 p.m. New York time
The New York Philharmonic flies to Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport on a private Asiana charter plane, and is met by the media.
Posted: Mon., Feb. 25, 5:45 p.m. New York time
After settling in at the hotel, the members of the New York Philharmonic tour party attend a performance by local dancers and musicians.
Posted: Mon., Feb. 25, 11:00 p.m. New York time
After attending a performance at the Mansudae Art Theatre, the Orchestra ends their first day in Pyongyang with a dinner banquet at the People’s Palace of Culture.
Posted: Tues., Feb. 26, 6:00 a.m. New York time
As they ride the bus from Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport to their hotel, the New York Philharmonic musicians meet their tour guide and interpreter.
Posted: Tues., Feb. 26, 8:00 a.m. New York time
The morning of the big day arrives, and after breakfast the musicians go to the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre for the Dress Rehearsal, which is attended by local conservatory students and television cameras.
Posted: Tues., Feb. 26, 3:00 p.m. New York time
Lorin Maazel leads the New York Philharmonic in the national anthem of the United States of America as the concert in the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre begins.
Posted: Tues., Feb. 26, 6:00 p.m. New York time
A few free hours are filled with master classes and excursions. Then, it’s the historic concert in the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, which concludes with a standing ovation from the audience.
Posted: Wed., Feb. 27, 2:00 p.m. New York time
The morning after the New York Philharmonic’s concert, the tour party attends a children’s performance before traveling to Seoul, Republic of Korea, for a final performance before returning to New York.
Posted: Thurs., Feb. 28, 5 p.m. New York time
The visit to Pyongyang behind them, Lorin Maazel and the Philharmonic rehearse for the final concert before returning to New York; here, pianist Yeol-Eum Son joins them in the Rondo finale of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2, one of the three works on the afternoon’s concert.
Posted: Thurs., Feb. 28, 5 p.m. New York time
The Orchestra is in Seoul for a dinner reception, a rehearsal, and an all-Beethoven concert before boarding a plane back home to New York!
