Houston Community News >> Music For Peace in North Korea
5/30/2008-- I hadn't given much thought
lately to the "Axis of Evil" and talk about nuclear threats. Certainly I
hadn't considered music as a way to heal political wounds. I was
surprised to learn that the New York Philharmonic Orchestra just visited
North Korea by invitation.
President Bush had called North Korea part of the "Axis of Evil". This of course insulted many North Koreans and the United States was subsequently identified by North Korea's leader as evil. North Korea and the United States were technically "at war".
It is well-known that the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, is a tight-handed dictator. He has never allowed himself to be interviewed. He is not an elected president, so there is no vote to keep him in power. He retains power through his authority over all aspects of North Korean life.
There is only one television channel in the country, and only 10% of the population own television sets. The Western world is effectively kept at bay.
So an American orchestra being invited into North Korea had huge political implications. There is no doubt that for many people, this was their first experience of Western music.
Kim Jong-il rules by an all-pervasive "cult of personality" in North Korea. As far as music is concerned, North Koreans love music, but the only music allowed is that which supports him and Communism. The implications of the symphony's visit deepen.
North Koreans are forbidden to perform, sing, or listen to any other music, even in the privacy of their own homes. Those who were caught doing so in the past were arrested and, in some cases, tortured and imprisoned for years.
Imagine what passed through these people's minds as they watched the Philharmonic's performance! Should they show emotion? Would their names be taken down? Defectors from North Korea to other countries watched in amazement.
Korean listeners heard the American National Anthem played. This truly amazes me - the national anthem of a country that calls them "evil"! Orchestra members were amazed also. They didn't know what to expect, and at first the audience was quiet and stone-faced. But soon smiles appeared, and after the finale of a popular Korean folk tune, the audience exploded into smiles, cheers and applause, with audience and orchestra waving to each other.
But even more happened after that. There have been political concessions made, there is talk of destroying a nuclear power silo in exchange for - taking back the designation of North Korea as part of the Axis of Evil.
All because two nations dared to try something very frightening and different: opening themselves to exploring the unknown territory of healing two nations at war by sharing a mutual love of music.
About the Author
World-renowned classical/experimental violinist Daniel Kobialka performed as second principal violin with the San Francisco Symphony for decades. Today he is sought after worldwide as a speaker, composer and performer, and creates bridges around the world with his healing music, from his personal website
President Bush had called North Korea part of the "Axis of Evil". This of course insulted many North Koreans and the United States was subsequently identified by North Korea's leader as evil. North Korea and the United States were technically "at war".
It is well-known that the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, is a tight-handed dictator. He has never allowed himself to be interviewed. He is not an elected president, so there is no vote to keep him in power. He retains power through his authority over all aspects of North Korean life.
There is only one television channel in the country, and only 10% of the population own television sets. The Western world is effectively kept at bay.
So an American orchestra being invited into North Korea had huge political implications. There is no doubt that for many people, this was their first experience of Western music.
Kim Jong-il rules by an all-pervasive "cult of personality" in North Korea. As far as music is concerned, North Koreans love music, but the only music allowed is that which supports him and Communism. The implications of the symphony's visit deepen.
North Koreans are forbidden to perform, sing, or listen to any other music, even in the privacy of their own homes. Those who were caught doing so in the past were arrested and, in some cases, tortured and imprisoned for years.
Imagine what passed through these people's minds as they watched the Philharmonic's performance! Should they show emotion? Would their names be taken down? Defectors from North Korea to other countries watched in amazement.
Korean listeners heard the American National Anthem played. This truly amazes me - the national anthem of a country that calls them "evil"! Orchestra members were amazed also. They didn't know what to expect, and at first the audience was quiet and stone-faced. But soon smiles appeared, and after the finale of a popular Korean folk tune, the audience exploded into smiles, cheers and applause, with audience and orchestra waving to each other.
But even more happened after that. There have been political concessions made, there is talk of destroying a nuclear power silo in exchange for - taking back the designation of North Korea as part of the Axis of Evil.
All because two nations dared to try something very frightening and different: opening themselves to exploring the unknown territory of healing two nations at war by sharing a mutual love of music.
About the Author
World-renowned classical/experimental violinist Daniel Kobialka performed as second principal violin with the San Francisco Symphony for decades. Today he is sought after worldwide as a speaker, composer and performer, and creates bridges around the world with his healing music, from his personal website