Mensa Barbie Welcomes You: New York Philharmonic in Pyongyang

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Enlarge Photo AP Interview: Putin's United Russia party likened to the worst of the communists he once led and helped bring down. -AP

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February 26, 2008

New York Philharmonic in Pyongyang

-Posted by D. Worth (US) | for- M. Barbay (France)

"Are we going to sit in judgment, or are we going to try and change that? If we keep isolating, we'll never get close to these people."
-Zarin Mehta: New York Philharmonic President

His response came as a result of criticism of N.Y. Philharmonic’s decision to participate in concert at North Korea's Pyongyang.

Before accepting the invitation, the orchestra insisted they be allowed to start it with the United States National Anthem...

Listen to the Concert: mp3
Metha Interview by wnyc Public Radio

ZARIN MEHTA Biography

In 1958, he made his conducting debut in Vienna. The same year he won the International Conducting Competition in Liverpool and was appointed assistant conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra... Read more

Zarin Mehta continual quest to broaden & enrich the musical experience
Philharmonic audiences both in the U.S. & abroad; including active commissioning program, instituting innovative series of lectures and discussions; and by overseeing major international Orchestra tours...

He has made outreach to young people a priority, by expanding the Orchestra's Young People's Concerts, for children ages 3–5... Zarin Mehta from Bombay (who runs the New York Philharmonic) is an Artistic American with a special quality of heart...

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