Charles Dutoit pushes for inter-Korean orchestra
Updated: 2011-07-22 13:58
(Agencies)
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SEOUL -- The chief conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra wants to create a joint South and North Korean youth orchestra.
Charles Dutoit says officials in North Korea were receptive when he met with them late last month. South Korea has said it is willing to review the plan. Dutoit hopes to hold an inaugural concert on August 15.
The Swiss conductor's long-term goal is for the orchestra to perform regularly in Pyongyang, Seoul and the Korean border town of Panmunjom.
The two Koreas are still technically at war. But experts say both countries could find it difficult to reject such an apolitical event organized by a non-Korean. One South Korean analyst gives the orchestra a 50-50 chance of happening.