A Diplomatic Overture

(CBS)  It was something North Korean has never welcomed: a 747 airpolane load of Americans.

And instead of the usual tight restrictions on the press, absolute freedom to shoot whatever the press wanted.

Tuesday night a lucky few hand picked North Koreans will hear the New York Philharmonic as part of its Asia tour … the first ever American artists to perform here, reports CBS News correspondent Barry Petersen.

And there is precedent for such a visit to give diplomacy an assist.

China invited in the U.S. Ping Pong team in 1971 - a friendly signal that led to President Richard Nixon's visit opening China to diplomatic relations with the U.S.

But with North Korea, it's all about ending their nuclear weapons program.

The North is already two months late on a promise to list everything they have.

That kind of stalling is one reason why critics say the Philharmonic is being used.

"I have no doubt that the North Korean government is going to present this as a propaganda coup, and it is, for them," said Terry Teachout, the Wall Street Journal's art critic.

Lorin Maazel is the conductor of the Philharmonic.

"Who are we to be legitimizing any regime," said Lorin Maazel, the Philharmonic's conductor. "We're just musicians. We make music."

And here, hidden agendas always start at the top, with Kim Jong Il.

"It's not because he personally just can't wait to hear the New York Philharmonic," said Stephen Bosworth, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea. "He did it because I think he's trying to send a signal."

Kim wants U.S. sanctions lifted so he can attract foreign investment. But in this upside down so-called Hermit Kingdom, better times for his people could make his life worse.

"He also has to be very cautious about how much he opens to the outside world, lest his people learn how badly disadvantaged they have been," Bosworth said.

From arrival onward, the North Koreans have been surprisingly gracious. Perhaps hoping that the feel-good images from the trip will serve them well long after the Americans' music has faded.