The Florida Orchestra’s cultural exchange with Cuba continues to gain steam.
Concertmaster Jeff Multer spent a week in Havana collaborating with Cuban musicians as part of a multi-year effort to strengthen bonds with the island nation. Bay News 9 was there documenting his journey.
It’s the first time in more than a decade that an American orchestra visits Cuba and the second since the Revolution of 1959.
On Sunday, the violinist was the guest of honor during a Mother’s Day concert by the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba.
During Multer’s visit, he also led master classes for aspiring musicians at el Conservatorio Amadeo Roldan and the Universidad de las Artes. Both are prestigious arts institutions in Havana.
In addition, Florida Orchestra staff members met with Cuban officials in arts and music to explore more opportunities to collaborate in the future.
As a result, the next stage of this cultural exchange will bring Cuban orchestra percussionists to the Bay area to perform with the Florida Orchestra in the Spring of 2014.
The organization first sent five principal wind musicians to the island in September 2011. Since then, the Florida Orchestra and Cuban officials have worked together to unite cultures and further relations between both countries.
In May 2012, the Cuban orchestra’s music director Enrique Perez Meza made his U.S. conducting debut with the Florida Orchestra in a Cuban-themed concert.
Last November, the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba performed in St. Petersburg as part of a 17-city tour in the U.S.
Florida Orchestra President Michael Pastreich tells Bay News 9 this exchange aims to bring the full Florida Orchestra to Havana for a concert in 2015.