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Overtures in Kim’s Cold Capital

1 minute read
By TIME

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra played a historic concert in North Korea. A look at some of the highlights of the momentous trip to Kim Jong Il’s hermit kingdom

Tuning Up

The New York Philharmonic arrive at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport.KCNA / EPA

Bridging The Gap

Lorin Maazel told the audience that his "Colleagues of the New York Philharmonic and I are very pleased to play in this fine hall," before adding in Korean, "Please have a good time".David Gray / REUTERS

Maestro

Maazel conducts the orchestra during the concert at the Grand Theatre.David Gray / Reuters

Standing Ovation

North Korean members of the audience applaud the Philharmonic during the performance.David Guttenfelder / AP

Service with a Smile

North Korean hotel staff clear snow from the road in preparation for the Philharmonic's visit.Mark Ralston / AFP / Getty Images

Orchestral Maneuvers

Commuters jump over puddles in Pyongyang.David Guttenfelder / AP

Peering Out

The concert represented an unprecedented cultural exchange between North Korea and the United States, which labeled Pyongyang part of the "Axis of Evil" in 2003.David Guttenfelder / AP

Fans of Tradition

North Korean dancers perform a traditional fan dance for members of the New York Philharmonic orchestra on the eve of their concert in the North Korean capital.Mark Ralston AFP / Getty Images

Freedom Dancers

North Koreans perform a dance about revolutionary freedom fighters from the war against Japan.Mark Ralston / AFP / Getty Images

Do Encores Await?

A North Korean woman walks past a staircase with a simulated waterfall after a performance for the visiting New York Philharmonic orchestra ended.David Guttenfelder / AP

Star Spangled

The audience stands as the New York Philharmonic plays the U.S. national anthem before the start of their concert at the Grand Theatre.David Gray / REUTERS

The Show Begins

Music Director Lorin Maazel conducts the New York Philharmonic in the historical concert.David Gray / REUTERS

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