North Korea Symphony Orchestra is reminded to obey party rules Orchestrasnorman lebrecht August 09, 2026The Pyongyang-based National Symphony Orchestra celebrated is 80th birthday concdert in the presents of the nuclear threat. ‘Kim Jong-un said, “The National Symphony Orchestra must rightly play a leading role in developing musical arts that serve as a great driving force for national revival.” He added, “When the majestic and distinctive resonance of our style of symphonic music inspires and encourages our revolution and leads the golden age of music and arts development in the new era, our cause will advance with greater strength and vigor.” The day before, Kim Jong-un also sent a congratulatory letter to the orchestra, emphasizing that it should serve the party and revolution. ‘He stated, “The principle our party has consistently upheld in music creation is to thoroughly embody ideological and artistic value, timeliness, and populism.