Rainbow choir unites Korea’s
With an international 129-person choir the Rainbow Music Tour has experienced that indeed nothing is impossible. The very first group of this size to ever visit the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) crossed the uncrossable Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea with a popular Korean folklore song about a lovers’ reunion.
This 2015 Rainbow Music Tour to the DPRK from September 14th-21st was an extraordinary success. In an unprecedented event, the choir from 17 nations – 64 Dutch nationals and 65 internationals including USA citizens – travelled for eight days to various parts of the DPRK. This historic trip was the first of its kind.
We, the Rainbow Team leadership, share a passionate desire to engage with the world around us, and build bridges between nations. For many years it has been our dream to connect with the DPRK, whose isolation from the world community is unsurpassed.
In 2012 this dream became true when a small Rainbow delegation travelled to the DPRK. This life-changing trip opened our eyes in many ways. We saw first-hand the treasures of this seemingly forgotten land, and we quickly recognised our many misconceptions about the DPRK. Because of its disconnect with the rest of the world, we expected to be met with disdain and bitterness but instead we were welcomed with open arms. We could see that the spirit of the people of the DPRK is strong and resilient, and we realised that there is a greater story to be told than mainstream public opinion. Our hearts were moved forever for this nation and her people.
So, from this 2012 visit, we have been yearning to bring a large group of people from many nations to the DPRK to see and experience its splendour, substantially connect with its people and share with the whole wide world the untold stories of this beautiful nation. This is how the Rainbow Music Tour was conceived.
Hope
The name Rainbow carries deep significance: it is a promise of hope. All rainbow stripes reflect their own specific lights in different shades, and yet together they join into one unified, beautiful arc in the sky. As such the rainbow represents also love, friendship, redemption, and unity.
With Rainbow Music Tours we want to promote these same values. Through the universal language of music, we aim to connect people across cultures. Moreover, our rainbow logo highlights a dove, the symbol of peace. We believe that as we come together in peace, honouring our differences and valuing everyone, that nothing is impossible!
On this most recent trip in September 2015 our team of singers from around the world experienced the amazing country of DPRK and its people. The following are just a few highlights from our unforgettable week.
Connections
Building relationships with the beautiful people of this nation was one of the most important aspects of our journey in the DPRK. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides presented us with a wealth of information and insight into the daily lives of the people of this great nation. As we shared moments of life with our new Korean friends, our hearts were connected in ways that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Not only did we visit the magnificent capital Pyongyang with its spectacular architecture and impressive monuments, we also experienced the provincial flavour of the city of Kaesong and the beautiful port city of Wonsan. In an event that touched all of us all deeply, we were invited to sing Amazing Grace at the highest point of Mount Taehwa, at the DPRK's newest and premier ski resort Masikryong.
Additionally, we were privileged to attend on Sunday a local church gathering where the choral music was angelic and the service profound.
Our hosts had every detail of this tour perfectly arranged. The accommodations were of the highest quality, and every meal took us on a delicious food journey. However, as we have experienced these amazing sights and sounds, the awareness that the Korean peninsula is a divided country is never far from our thoughts.
Demilitarized zone
Scars of war have been keeping many thousands of families separated without any contact or interaction for almost seven decades. Escorted by military staff, we had the honour to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that splits the peninsula into North and South Korea.
As we stood on a veranda, overlooking the divide that no person can cross, we sang this Korean folk tune Arirang, loved on both parts of the DMZ. The sound of hundred and twenty nine voices from seventeen nations united in this song crossed the uncrossable divide. A hush of hope fell upon us, as we stood together believing for a reunified Korea. The weight of the moment enveloped us, and there was silence. The only remaining sound was the wind rustling through the rainbow-colored flags that we had raised as a sign of hope and respect. It was a profound moment in time. Tears stained our eyes, and we left that spot forever changed. Nothing is impossible!
Rainbow Forest
As western visitors invited into this country, we had to come to terms with the role of many of our nations in shaping the history of the DPRK. Millions of innocent people in this nation suffer, as sanctions imposed by the West affect their everyday lives in unimaginable ways. One such effect is an on-going fuel shortage throughout the nation. This leaves many people freezing during the harsh months of winter.
In order to survive, many people began to cut down trees to burn the wood for heat. Due to this the natural landscape in many places of the DPRK changed drastically. In fact, some areas are left completely without any trees.
So, as a goodwill gesture and a prophetic sign of greater things that we expect to come in the DPRK, we have committed ourselves to plant 3,000 trees in what will be known as the Rainbow Forest. This forest is a living, lasting representation of friendship, life and hope.
There are stories upon stories of what we didn't realize or understand about the DPRK, but now that we know, we are responsible. Our hope is that many more people from many more nations would come with us to personally experience the reality of life in the DPRK. As we connect, person to person, face to face, and heart to heart, we will continue to find that nothing is impossible!
For more information on future Rainbow Music Tours visit www.rainbowtravelcompany.com. For more information on how to sponsor a tree in the Rainbow Forest go to: www.rainbowforest-nk.com.
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