He was greeted at the theatre by Pavel Borisovich Ovsyannikov, head and chief conductor of the orchestra, Valery Sukhinin, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, and official diplomats of the Russian embassy here.

Kim Jong Il warmly welcomed the orchestra's visit to the DPRK and had a cordial conversation with the guests.

The performance raised its curtain with the national anthems of the DPRK and the Russian Federation.

Its repertoire included chorus "Song Devoted to Marshal Kim Il Sung", "Song of the Proclamation of the People's Republic", chorus and orchestra "Overture of Friendship" newly created by Pavel Ovsyannikov, female vocal trio "Birthplace Covered with Snow," unaccompanied chorus "Sound of Evening Bell", male solo "Cavatina of Figaro" and other famous songs of the two countries and the world.

The performance given by renowned conductors, musicians and singers including international concours winners and people's and merited artistes of the two countries was highly acclaimed by the audience for its high artistry and excellent representation.

The performance ended with the chorus "Song of General Kim Jong Il".

Kim Jong Il conveyed a floral basket to the artistes congratulating them on their successful presentation.

At the end of the performance he met with leading members of the orchestra and expressed deep thanks for giving a splendid joint performance to the delight of the Korean people significantly celebrating the 61st birthday of the DPRK.

Among the audience were Kim Yong Chun, minister of the People's Armed Forces, Choe Thae Bok and Kim Ki Nam, secretaries of the WPK Central Committee, Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, leading officials of the party and the army, creators and artistes and servicepersons of the KPA.