Tone Deaf

An orchestra is traveling to Pyongyang. You won't believe what they intend to play.

In talks with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, North Korea has reportedly agreed the orchestra can play "The Star-Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the U.S., during its first performance in Pyongyang.

A South Korean government official on Tuesday said North Korea is keen on the New York Philharmonic's performance in Pyongyang and told the U.S. there would be no problem if the orchestra plays the anthem.

The New York Philharmonic does not usually play "The Star-Spangled Banner" in concert overseas. But the orchestra asked North Korea in talks early this month if it could play the U.S. national anthem considering the symbolic nature of its concert in Pyongyang.

The orchestra is still talking with North Korea about a possible performance around February. If that happens, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, a big fan of music, might attend. It would be the first time the U.S. national anthem has been played in front of the North Korean leader.

Will Kim be clapping like shown above afterwards? Or will he respond by singing the North Korean national anthem? The world awaits.

Hat tip- DPRK Studies
Linked to- Big Dog, Right Wing Nation, Stuck on Stupid, Webloggin,