New York Phil plays Arirang

This week, the NY Philharmonic performed in North Korea, a historic feat of musical diplomacy aimed at improving ties between the USA and North Korea. As their encore piece, the NY Phil performed "Arirang," a flowing, peaceful, traditional Korean song that was in the Music Together Drum collection. Those of you who took classes with me last winter might remember it. The Symphony's performance brought tears to the eyes of audience members and musicians.

Music joins us, even binds us together, and the offering of a simple song is in itself no simple act. A great orchestra playing a simple folk song of the country hosting their concert is a symbolic act, representing friendship and human solidarity. It was a gift, a sort of musical hug. This event is a beautiful demonstration of the power of music and how it creates community - small, intimate community and a whole world community.

Take a moment and consider the hundreds of Spanish-speaking children who are singing "Don Alfredo Baila" with their families and schoolmates. And think of the thousands of families around the world who are singing "Pop Goes the Weasel," "Jack in the Box," and all of the other Sticks songs. What a beautiful sense of community we can tap into--to feel connected to nearly a hundred families in Buncombe County and many thousands of strangers around the world through simple joyful songs! Not long ago, another teacher shared that a stranger in an airport in Taiwan heard her humming Tingalayo (another traditional folk tune on the Tambourine collection) and started humming along. They had a friendly conversation about Music Together and went on about their day. Perhaps one day, that will be you or your child!

Here's a Wall Street Journal excerpt about the NY Philharmonic's concert in North Korea:
"As orchestra members finished the encore & stood to leave the stage, the crowd of 1,400 clapped more and more loudly, a few of them waved. The Phil's trombone and trumpet players did, too. With that spark, the North Koreans burst into cheering and waving, from the front rows to the top balcony. The ovation continued for another five minutes."

Other articles:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/world/asia/27symphony.html?ex=1361768400&en=e6f9c095cdc76a54&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23347082/