Minnesota Orchestra Preps For Trip To Cuba
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Wednesday morning, a big group of Minnesotans will board a flight from Minneapolis and head to Havana, Cuba.
The Minnesota Orchestra will be the first U.S. orchestra to perform in Cuba since President Obama announced plans to restore relations with the country in December. The move comes after more than 50 years of a trade embargo.
The last time the Minnesota Orchestra performed in Cuba was in 1930. This visit will be action-packed. The orchestra members are not just performing two concerts in Cuba, they're also coaching high school and college musicians and rehearsing with a youth symphony.
Kevin Smith is the president of the Minnesota Orchestra.
"The Cuban people are so noted for their love of music in all forms. The idea of not just performing but sharing music with the Cuban people is really an extraordinary opportunity," Smith said.
He said the musicians are very excited but also feeling some pressure.
"We are there people to people, sharing music and culture, but even so we are representing the U.S. and are very aware of that," he added.
For many of us, the closest we've come to Cuban culture is eating here at Victor's 1959 Cafe in south Minneapolis. It's known for its authentic Cuban cuisine and colorful decor.
Niki Stavrou is the owner of the restaurant.
"Cuba is like a forbidden place, we as Americans have not been able to go there for so long. It has an appeal because it is exotic. So close, yet so far," Stavrou said.
Customers like Bill Rebholz of Minneapolis agree.
"Definitely, I'd love to go and see it. I don't know too much about it, but that's why you go there right?" said Bill Rebholz.
On the final stop of the orchestra's tour, they plan to jam.
"Cuban jazz musicians with MN Orchestra jazz musicians will have a jam session together. It will be an end of the tour party and celebration," Smith said.
The orchestra group includes 100 musicians, 20 staff, 25 guests and about 15 journalists. A donation by Twin Cities businesswoman Marilyn Carlson Nelson and her husband, Glen, is paying for the tour.
You can listen to the Friday and Saturday night concerts live on Classical MPR.
