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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.
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My program would be Beethoven's 3rd, Shostakovich's 4th and Copland's Appalachian Spring.
But I'm no diplomat
This is a prestigious gift to one of the axises of evil. This is how President BUSCH used to refer to some GOVs.
Will somebody accept to buy a gift for an evil person or group? I personally won't. BUT if this gesture is for the sake of serious music for mankind & the betterment of people point of views on each other through this prestigious orchestra; then I'll go for it.
MUSIC is a powerful weapon & it better remain in the capable hands of their creators & NOT in the hands of the politicians.
When will NYP perform in Tibet?
When will NYP perform in Iran?
I know this will happen one day.
Cheers.
Hamid.
www.videopix.co.uk
http://videopix.zenfolio.com
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