Greetings from Scotland.

First of all I send my warmest good wishes to everyone in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

It’s snowing outside.

And we have a lot of snow in this part of the world outside.

And I know that you have a lot of snow in your mountainous regions, too.

It is a great and very significant honour for me to be performing for you.

I am very deeply appreciated of this honour.

I’m keenly aware that the April Spring Friendship Art Festival held in a special place in the hearts of the Korean people.

And I feel strongly the warmth and generosity and friendship of the Korean people in allowing me to contribute to this festival. 

In addition to celebrating the international friendship the April Spring Friendship Art Festival in Pyongyang also celebrates the Day of the Sun which is the birthday of the historic Korean leader Kim Il Sung.

I’m very familiar with President Kim Il Sung’s life story and his achievements.

The life story and achievements of Kim Il Sung have a great deal to teach the world.

In a perfect world I would be in Pyongyang with you now performing and giving my recital in person, meeting and talking with many of you.

Unfortunately as we know the pandemic has very severely disrupted international trouble. So it is not possible for me to be in Pyongyang with you.

I hope very much that I may have a lot of opportunity of giving recital in person in Pyongyang in the future.

But for the moment I’m very happy to give you an online performance.

I have been aware for many years that the standard of performance of classical music in Korea is exceptionally high.

The national symphony orchestra in Pyongyang is without question one of the best orchestras in the world.

I hope therefore that my recital today will leave positive and impression on the Korean people.

And I hope very much indeed that I make a contribute in the longer term to develop cultural relations between the United Kingdom and the DPR Korea.

Once again it is a very great privilege to play for you.