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The New York PhilharmonicNew York Phil To Visit Pyongyang
The U.S. State Department says the New York Philharmonic could help thaw icy relations with North Korea. Others say the orchestra's upcoming visit could be a propaganda coup for Kim Jong-il. Today on Soundcheck: a look at a controversial diplomatic mission. And later: Composer Peter Schickele shares more adventures from the world of P.D.Q. Bach.
Orchestral Diplomacy
In the first major cultural exchange between the U.S. and North Korea, the New York Philharmonic will perform in Pyongyang on Feb. 26. State Department and orchestra officials are upbeat about the visit, but critics say the orchestra could get more than it bargained for. We talk first with Zarin Mehta, president of the New York Philharmonic. Later, Chuck Downs, a member of the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, shares his thoughts on the visit. And, Bill Eddins, music director of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and Neil Courtney, a double bassist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, talk about traveling on goodwill tours.
More about Bill Eddins
More about Chuck Downs
More about Neil Courtney
Peter Schickele
For over 40 years composer Peter Schickele has been spoofing the world of classical music via the musical "discoveries" of his fictitious 18th-Century alter ego, P.D.Q. Bach. He joins us to share his latest CD, "P.D.Q. Bach and Peter Schickele: The Jekyll & Hyde Tour." It includes such gems as the "Four Next-to-last Songs" and a string quartet subtitled “The Moose."
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Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
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