The New York Philharmonic has held its first-ever concert in North Korea.

Under the direction of conductor Lorin Maazel, the performance opened with the national anthems of North Korea and the United States at East Pyongyang Grand Theater in the North Korean capital.

The 100-minute performance featured five works, including Richard Wagner's "Lohengrin" and Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony."

The performance Tuesday was broadcast live by the North's official Korean Central Television. It was also relayed live internationally to South Korea, the United States, China, Germany and France by EuroArts Music International.

Top North Korean officials, including Culture Minister Kang Nung-su and Vice Culture Minister and president of the Art Exchange Association Song Sok-hwan, attended the concert.

Attention is focused on whether the cultural event could help thaw the relationship between the two Cold War adversaries.

In a news conference held earlier in the day, Maazel said he hoped North Korea and the U.S. will see expanded social exchanges in the near future. He suggested that American singing groups, opera and dance troupes, authors and scientists could be invited to visit the isolated country.