Members of the New York Philharmonic wave after their arrival at an airport in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Feb. 25, 2008. The New York Philharmonic arrived here Monday and its concert slated for Tuesday will be the first by a U.S. symphony orchestra in the DPRK.  (Xinhua/Xia Yu) Photo Gallery>>>

    PYONGYANG, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The New York Philharmonic arrived here Monday and its concert slated for Tuesday will be the first by a U.S. symphony orchestra in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

    At the airport, Lorin Maazel, music conductor of the Philharmonic, told reporters that they were happy to be in the DPRK and would do their best for the success of the concert.

    "We aren't politicians... and music always is the means of getting people to contact," he said.

    The New York Philharmonic will give a concert on Tuesday night at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater during its three-day visit.

    According to DPRK media, the theater is fully prepared for the successful performance by the New York Philharmonic.

    As the first cultural exchange event between the DPRK and the United States, the concert is widely regarded as an opportunity for both sides to build mutual trust and understanding.