The New York Philharmonic Orchestra is preparing to play a historic concert in North Korea on Tuesday -- but there is no word yet on whether leader Kim Jong Il will attend.
In a country where music -- like most aspects of life -- is tightly controlled, symbolism will be heavy in the performance. Among the tunes on the play list are "The Star Spangled Banner" and "An American In Paris."
And in the orchestra, a symbol of North Korea's history -- Michelle Kim, who was born in South Korea to parents who fled from the North.
"This might not solve the problems with the U.S. politically but it will be in their hearts as something to remember," said assistant concert master Kim. Musician is a symbol of Korean divide
Conductor Lorin Maazel added: "I have conducted orchestras in countries where I don't speak the language, but I speak the language of music and so do they. We get along instantly." Watch Maazel speak to reporters Tuesday before the performance 
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