Arts Beat is at it again. This time, it’s sent Times classical music writer Daniel J. Wakin out tailing after The New York Philharmonic, which is on it’s East Asian tour, soon scheduled to land–rather controversially–in North Korea, to much gripe from certain critics.

This could be hot, although Wakin’s first entry is mostly full of performer anecdotes. (Note to self, distrust all Chinese dudes looking for English lessons.) The entry also seems a little sparse, you know, considering he’s in CHINA.

There’s no word as to whether Wakin will be in tow one The Phil gets to Pyongyang on Monday. If so, I hope he has more to say than which orchestra members came down with the flu.