What can we infer from this news item?

The New York Philharmonic orchestra performed in North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, this week.  It was the first performance by an American symphony orchestra in the communist state. More than one hundred performers made the trip to Pyongyang, led by the Philharmonic’s musical director, Lorin Maazel. The historic event was broadcast live on television and radio in North Korea. It can also be seen on the Internet. More than one thousand North Koreans attended the concert Tuesday night. North Korean leader Kim Jong-il did not attend. However, other top North Korean officials did.