Symphonic diplomacy - and the touch of Christ.(THE HOME FORUM)(New York Philharmonic Orchestra in North Korea) From: The Christian Science Monitor | Date: April 7, 2008 | COPYRIGHT 2008 The Christian Science Publishing Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

If someone had predicted some years ago that in 2008 North Korea would host the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in its capital, Pyongyang, that person would probably have been dismissed as at least unrealistic, if not foolish.

But in February, that's exactly what happened. Nearly 400 people - including 80 journalists - and 12 tons of equipment were allowed to enter a country known for tight controls over its citizens and suspicious treatment of outsiders.

Mic...