Maazel / New York Philharmonic In Pyongyang 2008

The New York Philharmonic in Pyongyang

New York Philharmonic
Lorin Maazel, conductor

North Korean and United States national anthems
Dvorak: New World Symphony
Gershwin: An American in Paris
and closed with the traditional Korean folk song "Arirang"

DIRECTOR: Michael Beyer
PROG.LENGTH: 107'
PRODUCERS: EuroArts, ARTE France, WNET, MBC, SMG

On February 26, 2008, the world watched as the New York Philharmonic gave the first performance by an American orchestra in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Those lucky enough to be present will never forget that historic evening, when people from two long-divided nations were united through the beauty and power of music. By the end of the final encore, both the audience and the musicians onstage stood waving to each other in a new-found spirit of understanding.
We are honored and pleased that this recording can share this transformative experience with new audiences for years to come. "New York Philharmonic President, Zarin Mehta"

Bonus Track: DOCUMENTARY
Americans in Pyonyang

The film accompanies members of the New York Philharmonic on their historic trip to North Korea's capital, Pyongyang.
This trip is not by any means a simple one. Many concerns and doubts arise just before departing for the most inaccessible country in the world - a country that consistently violates human rights and that has been categorised by George Bush as a key member in the “axis of evil”.
This film is not a political manifesto but a story about people who are brought a little closer to each other by virtue of music. It shows, almost non-verbally, that music knows no borders and that it can reach and melt hearts and unite people.
The 48-hour trip is filled with highlights: Korean and American musicians meet on stage for the first time, performing together with technical brilliance, hardly speaking, just exchanging quick glances and communicating with body language. The concert was the ultimate highlight: When Lorin Maazel and the New York Phil played ‘Arirang,’ a lilting folk song emblematic of the North and South Korean people, some audience members were obviously misty-eyed.
The North Koreans were on their feet, applauding and waving to the musicians. Does this moment symbolize a change? Can music make a real difference? One of the musicians said: “Something profound has happened between two peoples. It was astounding.” (EUROARTS)

DIRECTOR: Ayelet Heller
PROG.LENGTH: 53'
PRODUCERS: EuroArts
Subtitles: English, French, Deutsch, Espanol, Japanese