Classical Cuba: Minnesota Orchestra Playing 2 Havana Nights

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - The Minnesota Orchestra is getting ready to make history.

Friday night is their first of two concerts in Cuba.

The musicians have been tuning up and rehearsing for the shows in Havana.

They have also been practicing with high school and college students.

The orchestra jumped at the opportunity to visit Cuba after President Obama announced plans to restore relations back in December.

"It's a great honor for us to be the first North American major orchestra visiting here," Musical Director Osmo Vanska said. "We are ambassadors of art, ambassadors of Minnesota, and that's a great honor for us."

Friday night's concert at Havana's National Theater starts at 7 p.m.

You can hear it live on Minnesota Public Radio's classical radio station.