Musical Diplomacy

Just today a historical event occurred in the North Korean capitol of Pyongyang as the 100 member New York Philharmonic performed for the first time in what has been known to the rest of the world as the “hermit kingdom.” To many this event is the hopeful marking of improving relations between the two countries. For me, as I scoured the Internet for articles and youtube clips of the performance, I was deeply moved and struck by the stories and images I found.

One particular picture painted for me by my reading was during the opening of the concert when the orchestra played both the North Korean and American national anthems to the raising of both flags side by side. It was reported that the whole room, Korean and American, stood and gave respect to both countries as the power of music made the divide that much smaller. I wonder what it was like to be standing together in celebration with people that you’ve been taught all your life are your mortal enemies. And as I imagined this powerful image I was struck.

I was struck by the way that one night of cultural exchange could have such a seemingly more powerful impact in tearing down the walls that months of political negotiations failed to do. I was struck by the fact that this was the largest “landing” of Americans to visit the country since the Korean War. That what ended with the exchange of death in bullets, was once again started with the exchange of beauty in culture. I was struck that as representatives from both sides organized this event that the North Korean government was willing to follow any request to accommodate their American guests. When have you heard a news report like that in recent months? I was struck as I realized that this was truly an exchange in that before the orchestra performed, the North Korean hosts treated the Americans to a traditional dance performance. Who would have ever thought that the hermit kingdom had anything to bless us with? I was struck as I watched news clips of the North Koreans at how normal they appeared. They smiled, they laughed, they showed respect and honor, they dressed in suits and ties, and even appeared… sort of like you and me. Definitely not the “axis of evil” monsters we hear about on TV. Interesting.

And in my reflection of the power of cultural diplomacy I wonder why nations don’t try this more. I wonder what would happen if we went to our enemies with the best we had to offer rather than try to destroy what little they have. Our arts, our food, our technology, our philosophy, our… wealth (opps did I say that?). What a revolutionary thought. Instead of trying to destroy each other’s culture and way of life that we could just share the best of both worlds and add to our enjoyment of the diversity of this world. Perhaps we just need to “make music not war.” (yes yes… lame I know)

At the end, the story that I was most struck and moved by as a Korean American myself occurred at the end of the performance when the orchestra performed the traditional Korean folk song 아리랑 “Arirang” or “Beautiful Dear.” A song familiar to both North and South Koreans, this song reportedly brought many people in the room to tears, including the eight Americans of Korean origin in the orchestra. What a powerful moment it must have been as the room broke out into standing ovation for over five minutes. Celebrating in applause and tears.

As I picture this amazing scene in my mind, it’s so hard for me to see anymore the divide anymore. There are no more Americans and North Koreans. No more South Koreans and North Koreans. No more friends and enemies. Just people. Crying together. Laughing together. Celebrating together. I wish I could have been there. Even as I imagine the scene I begin to tear up. Seriously, tears have a powerful way of reminding us of our shared humanity. That at the end, as much as we try to paint each other as evil and inhuman, that we all mourn over death, and love to celebrate in our joy.

Anyways, I’ve been looking all morning for a video of the performance. Particularly the last performance of “Arirang.” I couldn’t find much, so if anyone finds it, please post a comment. Found it! YAY! Here is what I found so far though:

• New York Times Article: This was the first thing I found as I was reading the news this morning and sent me on my journey to discover more.
• CNN Video: This was recorded a few months ago, but gives some great background to the organizing of this historic event. Also, has some great footage of the country itself.
• Playing the North Korean and American national anthems
• Playing Dvorak’s “New World Symphony“: You might appreciate the North Korean accent spoken in the intro to this song, and the conductors attempt to speak korean… awesome.
• Playing 아리랑 “Arirang”!!!!: I found it. Someone just posted it. Youtube rocks. Beautiful. I cried.

New York Philharmonic Plays Arirang in DPRK North Korea