This week’s performance by the New York Philharmonic in North Korea is a reminder of the ability of music and other arts to open up lines of communication between diverse and politically estranged societies.

The accounts of the orchestra’s concert in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang were touching. A packed and attentive audience listened to pieces by quintessential American composers George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein interspersed with other classical standards. In tribute to the diplomatic role of the event, the orchestra also played “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the national anthem of North Korea and closed the concert with a Korean folk tune.

At the end of the concert, the enthusiastic audience of 2,500 applauded and waved to members of the orchestra. The American musicians, some reportedly with tears in their eyes, waved back as they left the stage.

How can such an emotional, heartfelt moment between people not be a healthy thing for the world?

The next day, a troupe of North Korean children returned the artistic favor by performing an acrobatic routine for members of the orchestra. The Philharmonic then traveled to perform a second similar concert in Seoul, South Korea.

The concerts didn’t bring the two Koreas together for diplomatic talks or have a permanent impact on the repressive culture of the north, but, for a time, beautiful music allowed both the artists and the audience to rise above political animosity and many of the grim realities of life. They could share an artistic bond that transcends political and cultural differences.

The Philharmonic’s triumphant visit immediately prompted speculation of other possibilities of musical diplomacy. Perhaps a concert should be considered in Cuba, Iran or Venezuela.

Such is the power of art. Those who see music, drama, painting or other artistic endeavors as frills in our lives or in our schools should consider the universal, healing appeal of art in our lives. When an orchestra from the United States, which is regularly condemned by official North Korea, can draw such a warm and enthusiastic response from an audience in Pyongyang, it can’t help but raise our hopes that the two societies can find other areas of common ground. Perhaps music really does have some power to soothe – or at least provide a moment of respite for – the savage beast.