The Annie Moses Band had the opportunity, at the courtesy of the North Korean government, to participate in their nation’s April Spring Friendship Arts Festival. The Arts Festival we attended is an international event which promotes independence, peace, and friendship through cultural and artistic exchange.  650 performers from 24 countries participated in the week-long event of song and dance. In the 27-year history of this event only 6 US delegations have participated in the festival. 

 

Over a period of seven days, we performed three of our original songs along with a Korean song, Forever in My Heart. Our performances were well received by the Korean people and were viewed by a nation-wide television audience. One number, Glory Giver, was also selected to receive an award at the event’s final ceremony. In addition to participation in the festival activities, our group was asked to record the song Forever In My Heart at the Central Broadcasting System, the Chosun Sori (Voice of Korea). 

 

Global Resource Services (GRS) coordinated the 32-member delegation. GRS is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides food, medical, and educational support to the North Korean people. This organization does a great work all around the globe, and has reached out to the North Korean people for the last twelve years. Our group was happy to support the humanitarian work of GRS through our presence at the Festival.

 

During the week, we had the pleasure of interacting with college students from several universities who acted as our guides and interpreters. We had many meaningful conversations and formed some close friendships. We also visited both the National Children’s Center for the Arts and the Pyongyang Music College, where we witnessed the incredible artistic skill and discipline of the Korean people. We were particularly moved by the opportunity for two of our members to perform with a North Korean cellist. We will never forget the faces of the children and musicians we heard. As proud American patriots, we are deeply aware of the tensions between our two countries and will continue to pray for the North Korean people.