In pictures: North Korea concert

America's oldest and most distinguised orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, has played a historic concert in Pyongyang, the capital of secretive North Korea.

The concert venue, East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, is usually the venue for performances that celebrate North Korea's dynastic leaders and national achievements.

But the audience of North Korea's elite and foreign guests heard a series of classical compositions which the musicians hoped would help build cultural understanding.

The audience stood while the orchestra played the national anthems of both countries.

Before leading the orchestra in Gershwin's American in Paris, conductor Lorin Maazel joked that, one day, there might be a piece called Americans in Pyongyang.

The concert finished with Arirang, a much-loved folk song on both sides of the Korean border. The musicians received a standing ovation of several minutes.

Lavish hospitality was laid on for the musicians, and they were also given a sightseeing tour of the capital, taking in statues of the country's dynastic leaders.

Mr Maazel said the reaction to the concert had been "stunning" and that the visit had been "instrumental in opening a little door" for improved relations.

The concert was broadcast on state media, but critics have said it is unlikely to have any impact on people's lives, and was a propaganda coup for the country's leaders.

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