I promised big news, and here it is: On Friday morning -- actually, about seven hours from now, weather permitting [knocks wood] -- I'll be flying to Beijing. And on Monday, I'll hook up with the New York Philharmonic for a trip I could never have conceived of taking: I'm heading to Pyongyang, North Korea, to report on the orchestra's historic visit and concert.
I can't fully anticipate what kind of access I'll have to the Internet during my trip -- and honestly, that fact is in itself part of the story. Ideally I'll be filing on-the-scene reports for the TONY Blog and also on the League of American Orchestras website. Eventually I'll write about the entire experience for Symphony magazine.
The amount of extra work I've had to put in over the last few weeks in order to prepare for this trip has left me drained and slightly delirious. Strangely, that feels somewhat appropriate as I contemplate visiting a place I never even imagined getting to see firsthand. The fierce debate that has surrounded the Philharmonic's visit has only added to the surreality of knowing that if all goes as planned, I'm actually going to be a witness.
Wish me luck. And keep an eye on those websites.
WOW, how exciting! Safe travels, and I'll be reading along with you.
Posted by: Lisa Hirsch | February 22, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Boy, you weren't kidding about "big news," were you! Molto congratulations, Steve, for getting the opportunity of a lifetime (maybe even several). Record all you can and I will look forward to your impressions whenever they arrive.
Posted by: Bruce Hodges | February 22, 2008 at 11:07 AM
"Dvorak and the Axis of Evil"
This is truly what the dialogue between music and people is all about: the great social enterprise put to the test. Essentially, an American organization playing European music in a communist Asian nation performed by players from around the world. It's not so much what the whole event represents but rather figuring out what to make of the whole thing. That's your job! Have a wonderful time and attempt to remember everything!
Bon Voyage Steve!
Richard
Posted by: Richard G. | February 22, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Very cool. The most closed society on the planet! Good luck! Watch the picture taking, I don't think they let you blog from a North Korean gulag.
Posted by: Vincent Kargatis | February 22, 2008 at 02:24 PM
nice, Steve, good luck! should be wild...
Posted by: jon abbey | February 23, 2008 at 04:05 AM
Couldn't happen to a better guy, safe and rich trip, Steve.
Posted by: Jesse | February 23, 2008 at 05:37 PM