New York Philharmonic arrives in Pyongyang

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra has arrived in Pyongyang at the invitation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The orchestra's highly anticipated visit is a cultural first. The visit follows the orchestra's performance in Beijing on Sunday.

Just hours after they arrived in Pyongyang Monday, the members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra watched an art performance by local singers and dancers.

The DPRK's Vice-Minister of Culture, Song Suk Hwan, also attended the performance.

He says the New York Philharmonic's visit is an important event for cultural exchanges between the two countries.

He hopes the visit will be a good opportunity for American visitors to understand how the people of the DPRK live and feel.

Earlier, the Philharmonic's conductor Lorin Maazel said the orchestra is happy to be in the DPRK and looking forward to connecting with listeners.