A South Korean violinist and a North Korean soprano shared a Shanghai stage on Sunday for an unlikely performance aimed at improving diplomatic relations on the Korean Peninsula, according to a report by The Associated Press.

At an annual charity event benefiting autistic children, the Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra backed the two musicians — singer Kim Song Mi and violinist Won Hyung Joon, who is known for his commitment to improving relations between the Koreas — in a rendition of “Songs My Mother Taught Me” by the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.

Performances featuring members of the two rival countries are uncommon, AP notes, as “North and South Koreans can’t exchange phone calls, letter (sic) or emails without special government approval.” In discussing the intention of the event, Won told the outlet that “I can’t help but think maybe, just maybe, it’ll bring more opportunities like this in the future.”

In April 2018, a historic handshake between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in was heralded as a breakthrough in diplomatic relations between the two countries. But such progress has been punctuated by moments of renewed tension, including a missile test last week that left the South “very worried,” according to a government spokesperson. (Image: AP)