If North Korea keeps its promises, potentially millions of its isolated, tightly controlled citizens are likely to hear their national anthem played on the radio by the New York Philharmonic. And then they will hear The Star-Spangled Banner a quintessential US symbol, in a place long subjected to anti-US propaganda.
Yesterday the orchestra was to present details of its planned trip to Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, in late February. So far it has declined to discuss its repertory. But State Department officials, who have advised the orchestra as it was deciding whether to accept an invitation, have said the government there will allow the American anthem.
Korea experts familiar with the closed, anti-US nature of the government said the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner in North Korea was a rather startling prospect.
"This would be a significant achievement," said Peter Beck, the executive director of the US Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. "Just the very fact that the North Korean people would know that the Philharmonic was able to visit Pyongyang and play would be a clear signal that relations between the North and the US are improving."
Philharmonic protocol calls for anthems to be played on tour during concerts of special importance. In 2002, for example, The Star-Spangled Banner was played in Japan when the empress attended. Traditionally the host anthem is played first out of courtesy. The US anthem is always played on opening night of the Philharmonic's season.
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