MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New York Philharmonic will play in Havana next October

Zarin Mehta: We play music; politicians work out what they can

The head of the New York Philharmonic met with Cuban officials and toured facilities in Havana on Saturday ahead of an October visit to the Castro brothers’ regime by the renowned orchestra.

Orchestra president Zarin Mehta said he was encouraged by what he saw and heard on the island and noted that Cubans appeared to appreciate classical music. According to the Cuban press Professor Mehta presented several ideas for the visit “which have been considered very positive”.

Alejandro Gumá deputy head of the Cuban Institute for International Music relations met with five representatives from the New York orchestra last Friday.

“We’re preparing a program which is not too exhausting for the orchestra, which will also give them a chance to learn about Cuban concert music and Cuban people’s culture”, added Gumás.

The New York Philharmonic is scheduled to visit Havana October 31st and November first for an only presentation and will be hosted by Roberto Chorens director of the Cuban Philharmonic.

“This is an initiative born with the New York orchestra and its representatives, since they are well aware that Cuba has a strong symphonic movement and classical music culture”, said Gumás.

The orchestra was attacked in 2008 when it made a concert trip to North Korea, and Mehta said he was certain it would be criticized by opponents of the Cuban government if it performed on the island.

He added that Cuban and US officials have said they favour the visit. Mehta said orchestra officials contacted Cuba about a possible trip and eventually received an invitation from its government.

They also got the blessing of officials in Washington who supports normalizing relations with Cuba. However while noting that the Philharmonic was a good ambassador, Mehta downplayed the political implications of a tour.

“We don't do any kind of political statements, but the fact that we as Americans come and play in a particular country has to make those people smile on the United States,” Mehta said.

“We just come and play music and then let the politicians and governments work out what they can.”

His visit coincided with the arrival in Havana of Britain's Royal Ballet. Officials said the London-based company would perform five days of sold-out performances in its first visit to Cuba.