On Feb. 26, the New York Philharmonic orchestra played to a full house in Pyongyang. I was fortunate to have been able to document this historic moment in time.

I was part of a nearly 300-member delegation — consisting of the orchestra’s 106 artists, staff, accompanying patrons, VIP guests and press corps — the largest influx of Americans to arrive there since the days of the Korean War more than half a century ago.
The subtle diplomacy I witnessed in Pyongyang demonstrates that music is one of our best weapons in a battle for peace. It is a language we can all communicate in, and communication is key to successful problem resolution, not just between individuals, but countries as well.  

Ping Pong Diplomacy during the Nixon years led to the normalization of relations between the United States and China. If a little white ball, a couple of paddles and athletes in shorts can rally great nations toward peace, one can only imagine what 106 of the world’s greatest musicians can do.  

The road to a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula is a difficult one, but one that must be traveled, for the alternative is too catastrophic to rationally contemplate.