The unprecedented show comes as North Korea drags its feet over demands to hold to its side of an international disarmament deal and own up to everything it has been doing over the years to develop nuclear weapons.
"We feel this opportunity will deepen a better understanding and trust between the two countries," Pak Su-mi, a North Korean guide, told foreign visitors to the Great People's Study House where North Koreans are allowed a highly restricted glimpse of the Internet using outdated computers.
Pak, speaking in English, was in traditional Korean dress and wore a badge -- as do most North Korean adults -- with a portrait of Kim Il-sung, the isolated state's founding leader and who became its president for eternity after his death in 1994.
Executive director of the New York Philharmonic, Zarin Mehta, echoed her comments saying officials from both sides hoped the biggest U.S. group to visit since the 1950-53 Korean War would help normalise relations between the long-time foes.
"We have received the same message from the DPRK (North Korean) side that they wish to establish good relations," Mehta told reporters in the first news conference ever to be broadcast live outside the secretive state.
Mehta said six North Korean musicians had been invited to play one piece with the orchestra during the concert.