Posted on Facebook 5/23
Rum. Real 16th-century Pirates of the Caribbean. Hemingway’s bars & cocktails. Classic cars. Pirate forts. Emeralds, gold ingots & bars of silver. Backstage frenzy. Intrigued?
We will publish a final wrap-up of press stories about the MN Orchestra’s Cuba trip soon, but we thought that we’d assemble some of the more personal stories from Scott Chamberlain, who reported for MinnPost on the trip. He published these on his personal “Mask of the Flower Prince” blog.
Scott hunted down two of Papa Hemingway’s favorite rum joints, El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio. Read about what he discovered there (and get a little primer on rum itself) here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/reflections-on-cuba-running-down-hemingways-cocktails/
“It is a summer day in 1527. The day began like many others in the ramshackle village of Havana… but soon a startled cry came from the coast.” So begins Scott’s “Real Pirates of the Caribbean” story. Read it here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/havana-and-the-real-pirates-of-the-caribbean/
His guide at Havana’s oldest pirate fort, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, was thrilled when she learned that Scott was from the U.S. and was a historian. So she gave him a personal tour of the fortress, guiding him to artifacts and info and spectacular views. Read all about it here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/reflections-of-cuba-talking-pirates-in-a-pirate-fortress/
Mr. “I get a sunburn if I get too close to a 100-watt light bulb” took a chance on a taxi ride in a 60-year-old classic convertible and got a whole new perspective on the city and these cars. Read about it here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/reflections-on-cuba-seeing-havana-by-classic-car/
And for some glimpses of frenetic backstage activity and stories about what it took for our MN Orchestra stage crew and their Cuban counterparts to make everything work, read here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/16/a-look-backstage-from-cuba/
We hope that you enjoy these stories as much as we did! Thanks, Scott!
Rum. Real 16th-century Pirates of the Caribbean. Hemingway’s bars & cocktails. Classic cars. Pirate forts. Emeralds, gold ingots & bars of silver. Backstage frenzy. Intrigued?
We will publish a final wrap-up of press stories about the MN Orchestra’s Cuba trip soon, but we thought that we’d assemble some of the more personal stories from Scott Chamberlain, who reported for MinnPost on the trip. He published these on his personal “Mask of the Flower Prince” blog.
Scott hunted down two of Papa Hemingway’s favorite rum joints, El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio. Read about what he discovered there (and get a little primer on rum itself) here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/reflections-on-cuba-running-down-hemingways-cocktails/
“It is a summer day in 1527. The day began like many others in the ramshackle village of Havana… but soon a startled cry came from the coast.” So begins Scott’s “Real Pirates of the Caribbean” story. Read it here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/havana-and-the-real-pirates-of-the-caribbean/
His guide at Havana’s oldest pirate fort, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, was thrilled when she learned that Scott was from the U.S. and was a historian. So she gave him a personal tour of the fortress, guiding him to artifacts and info and spectacular views. Read all about it here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/reflections-of-cuba-talking-pirates-in-a-pirate-fortress/
Mr. “I get a sunburn if I get too close to a 100-watt light bulb” took a chance on a taxi ride in a 60-year-old classic convertible and got a whole new perspective on the city and these cars. Read about it here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/reflections-on-cuba-seeing-havana-by-classic-car/
And for some glimpses of frenetic backstage activity and stories about what it took for our MN Orchestra stage crew and their Cuban counterparts to make everything work, read here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/16/a-look-backstage-from-cuba/
We hope that you enjoy these stories as much as we did! Thanks, Scott!
Posted on Facebook 5/19
Alert! You will probably need some tissues as you read some of the heartwarming personal stories in today’s recap of news from the Cuba trip.
Scott Chamberlain’s report for MinnPost was published Monday. He talks about the crazy “media scrum” at the concerts and events, marveling at how the musicians could maintain their focused, powerful playing with photographers right in their faces. In his inimitable style, Scott takes us into the performances with his vivid descriptions of their intensity, passion and emotion. He talked to Cuban audience members and translates/shares their responses for us (one example: “That that music, that performance was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The sound was lush, full, and deep, so wonderfully dense and grand. But then in an instant, it was so ephemeral and still, and if you reached out to try and touch it, it was gone. I can’t describe it. It’s like trying to describe the touch of sunlight on your skin.”) He talks about the bedlam that erupted when the Orchestra played the Cuban and American national anthems Saturday night. He talks about the encores, including the Finnish "Säkkijärven Polka," and how the Cubans totally “got” it since “again, they understand dance!” Read Scott’s report here: http://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2015/05/two-nights-minnesota-orchestra-cuba-powerful-performances-engender-palpable-uni
Violist Sam Bergman talks about the human connections, the people they met, the moments of joy and humor they shared, the finding of common ground, and the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Cubans. Read his report here: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/20-cuba-diary-leaving-la-habana
Clarinetist Rena Kraut posted this delightful story about clarinet “groupies” that followed her and her colleagues everywhere. She also gives us a glimpse of what it was like to experience Saturday night’s powerful concert from backstage. http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/17/notes-from-cuba-second-movement?WT.mc_id=fcf7ed378f7680e85cf3bf55f6b6409a
And read Rena’s absolutely heartwarming and unforgettable story about her interactions with the woman who cleaned her hotel room. http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/18/notes-cuba-finale?WT.mc_id=978714019e88f972ed59c99256186586
Michael Cooper reported in Sunday’s New York Times on the late Saturday night / early Sunday morning “jamming” with Orquesta Aragón at the Habana Café, which included Osmo Vänsä playing an iconic trumpet solo on his clarinet! Cooper also recaps the spectacular Saturday night concert and the whole trip. Read it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/18/arts/music/fire-and-ice-minnesotans-join-orquesta-aragon-in-havana.html?emc=edit_th_20150518&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=25767547&_r=0 (By the way, Cooper’s Saturday night article was #1 on the Times’ “most emailed” list on Sunday morning!)
Finland’s top newspaper, the Helsingin Sanomat, posted a video of the late Saturday night jam session! http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/a1431829564867
On Sunday Euan Kerr recapped the trip for MPR. Find his audio and text here: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/17/mnorch-cuba-sunday?WT.mc_id=694aa145b0dd3bcc00c728d9c3fb4716
And on Monday Euan Kerr reported audience, musician and staff reactions to the tour and especially to the playing of Cuban and American national anthems at the beginning of Saturday night’s concert. Find his report here: http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/05/18/mn-orchestra-returns-home
Graydon Royce reported for the StarTribune on Saturday’s visit to a cigar factory and other connections the “cultural ambassadors” (25 patrons and Board members) made with Cubans and diplomats. http://www.startribune.com/musical-diplomacy-blooms-in-the-havana-heat-on-minnesota-orchestra-s-cuba-trip/303951901/
On Sunday Graydon added some more details about the late-night jam session (which included Charles Lazarus, Dave Williamson and Peter Hogan as well as Osmo Vänsä). Read it here: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestra-s-last-late-night-in-havana/304065981/?section=%2F
And here’s the recap that Graydon published on Sunday evening: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestra-wins-hearts-in-cuba-as-it-caps-a-historic-trip/304004891/
Take a look at MPR’s Nate Ryan’s 38 wonderful photos from the last 24 hours of the tour (especially if you like vintage Desotos!) here: http://www.classicalmpr.org/blog/classical-notes/2015/05/18/photos-minnesota-orchestras-final-24-hours-in-havana
On Saturday Fox News Latino reported on the concerts and on the interactions with Cuban music students: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2015/05/16/minnesota-orchestra-played-to-sold-out-house-in-havana-as-tensions-ebb-between/
Watch local Fox9 News’ video coverage and report on the Orchestra’s return to Minneapolis (including short interviews of musicians, staff, Board and patrons) here: http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/29087567/a-grateful-minnesota-orchestra-returns-from-cuba
What a trip!
Alert! You will probably need some tissues as you read some of the heartwarming personal stories in today’s recap of news from the Cuba trip.
Scott Chamberlain’s report for MinnPost was published Monday. He talks about the crazy “media scrum” at the concerts and events, marveling at how the musicians could maintain their focused, powerful playing with photographers right in their faces. In his inimitable style, Scott takes us into the performances with his vivid descriptions of their intensity, passion and emotion. He talked to Cuban audience members and translates/shares their responses for us (one example: “That that music, that performance was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The sound was lush, full, and deep, so wonderfully dense and grand. But then in an instant, it was so ephemeral and still, and if you reached out to try and touch it, it was gone. I can’t describe it. It’s like trying to describe the touch of sunlight on your skin.”) He talks about the bedlam that erupted when the Orchestra played the Cuban and American national anthems Saturday night. He talks about the encores, including the Finnish "Säkkijärven Polka," and how the Cubans totally “got” it since “again, they understand dance!” Read Scott’s report here: http://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2015/05/two-nights-minnesota-orchestra-cuba-powerful-performances-engender-palpable-uni
Violist Sam Bergman talks about the human connections, the people they met, the moments of joy and humor they shared, the finding of common ground, and the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Cubans. Read his report here: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/20-cuba-diary-leaving-la-habana
Clarinetist Rena Kraut posted this delightful story about clarinet “groupies” that followed her and her colleagues everywhere. She also gives us a glimpse of what it was like to experience Saturday night’s powerful concert from backstage. http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/17/notes-from-cuba-second-movement?WT.mc_id=fcf7ed378f7680e85cf3bf55f6b6409a
And read Rena’s absolutely heartwarming and unforgettable story about her interactions with the woman who cleaned her hotel room. http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/18/notes-cuba-finale?WT.mc_id=978714019e88f972ed59c99256186586
Michael Cooper reported in Sunday’s New York Times on the late Saturday night / early Sunday morning “jamming” with Orquesta Aragón at the Habana Café, which included Osmo Vänsä playing an iconic trumpet solo on his clarinet! Cooper also recaps the spectacular Saturday night concert and the whole trip. Read it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/18/arts/music/fire-and-ice-minnesotans-join-orquesta-aragon-in-havana.html?emc=edit_th_20150518&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=25767547&_r=0 (By the way, Cooper’s Saturday night article was #1 on the Times’ “most emailed” list on Sunday morning!)
Finland’s top newspaper, the Helsingin Sanomat, posted a video of the late Saturday night jam session! http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/a1431829564867
On Sunday Euan Kerr recapped the trip for MPR. Find his audio and text here: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/17/mnorch-cuba-sunday?WT.mc_id=694aa145b0dd3bcc00c728d9c3fb4716
And on Monday Euan Kerr reported audience, musician and staff reactions to the tour and especially to the playing of Cuban and American national anthems at the beginning of Saturday night’s concert. Find his report here: http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/05/18/mn-orchestra-returns-home
Graydon Royce reported for the StarTribune on Saturday’s visit to a cigar factory and other connections the “cultural ambassadors” (25 patrons and Board members) made with Cubans and diplomats. http://www.startribune.com/musical-diplomacy-blooms-in-the-havana-heat-on-minnesota-orchestra-s-cuba-trip/303951901/
On Sunday Graydon added some more details about the late-night jam session (which included Charles Lazarus, Dave Williamson and Peter Hogan as well as Osmo Vänsä). Read it here: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestra-s-last-late-night-in-havana/304065981/?section=%2F
And here’s the recap that Graydon published on Sunday evening: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestra-wins-hearts-in-cuba-as-it-caps-a-historic-trip/304004891/
Take a look at MPR’s Nate Ryan’s 38 wonderful photos from the last 24 hours of the tour (especially if you like vintage Desotos!) here: http://www.classicalmpr.org/blog/classical-notes/2015/05/18/photos-minnesota-orchestras-final-24-hours-in-havana
On Saturday Fox News Latino reported on the concerts and on the interactions with Cuban music students: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2015/05/16/minnesota-orchestra-played-to-sold-out-house-in-havana-as-tensions-ebb-between/
Watch local Fox9 News’ video coverage and report on the Orchestra’s return to Minneapolis (including short interviews of musicians, staff, Board and patrons) here: http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/29087567/a-grateful-minnesota-orchestra-returns-from-cuba
What a trip!
Posted on Facebook 5/16
Broadcast & print media, websites, Facebook and Twitter have been BURNING UP with news about the Orchestra’s tour and last night’s concert! Here is today’s installment of just some of the reports.
Michael Cooper of the NY Times reported on last night’s concert (and included a nod to many of us who were Tweeting and Facebooking real-time during the broadcast!): http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/17/arts/music/minnesota-orchestra-in-groundbreaking-cuba-tour-sells-out-house.html?smid=tw-nytimesmusic&seid=auto&_r=1
Euan Kerr had a phone conversation with MPR’s Kerri Miller on Friday morning: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/15/bcst-kerr-cuba
Violist Sam Bergman posted about nightlife, the side-by-side rehearsal, wonderful interactions between the musicians and students, and preparations for Friday’s and Saturday’s concerts: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/17-cuba-diary-day-3-game-day
Clarinetist Rena Kraut takes us to the streets of Havana and rides in a cocotaxi: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/16/notes-from-cuba-interlude?WT.mc_id=84073e19e8fed6a018361dcb6c497d58
Here’s the Orchestra’s photo gallery from Day 3 https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/stories/18-cuba-photos-day-3
Our friend Scott Chamberlain is reporting for MinnPost. He talks about the students’ response to the master classes and side-by-side rehearsal, and about what our musicians are learning from the Cubans. http://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2015/05/perfect-cultural-exchange-minnesota-orchestra-musicians-share-global-language-m
Scott Chamberlain has also posted some more personal reflections (including being asked to translate for Osmo at Friday morning’s rehearsal!) on his own “Mask of the Flower Prince” blog. See here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/15/1625/
and here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/15/cuban-surprises/
Graydon Royce reported for the StarTribune on the musicians’ visits with the Cuban music high school and college: http://www.startribune.com/at-cuban-schools-minnesota-orchestra-musicians-teach-and-learn/303808971/?c=n&clmob=y
Here’s Graydon’s report from the Friday night concert: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestra-s-concert-friday-night-in-cuba-draws-enthusiastic-crowd-of-music-fans-media/303981221/
Here’s a terrific StarTribune photo gallery: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestra-performs-first-cuba-concert/303993131/
From the Havana Times: http://goseecuba.com/the-minnesota-orchestra-plays-cuba/
Here’s the BBC News report: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-32762780
Here’s a report from Al Jazeera America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zwfgmqlGsw#sjs
Even Myanmar TV is reporting it! http://www.myanmarinternational.tv/news/minnesota-orchestra-performs-havana
And here’s a great little 45-second video report from AFP News Agency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe1jdbs5pmg
Join in the fun! Explore online reports with hashtag #MNOrchCuba or #Cubadisco And post or tweet or retweet yourself! We’ll be watching for you.
Broadcast & print media, websites, Facebook and Twitter have been BURNING UP with news about the Orchestra’s tour and last night’s concert! Here is today’s installment of just some of the reports.
Michael Cooper of the NY Times reported on last night’s concert (and included a nod to many of us who were Tweeting and Facebooking real-time during the broadcast!): http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/17/arts/music/minnesota-orchestra-in-groundbreaking-cuba-tour-sells-out-house.html?smid=tw-nytimesmusic&seid=auto&_r=1
Euan Kerr had a phone conversation with MPR’s Kerri Miller on Friday morning: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/15/bcst-kerr-cuba
Violist Sam Bergman posted about nightlife, the side-by-side rehearsal, wonderful interactions between the musicians and students, and preparations for Friday’s and Saturday’s concerts: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/17-cuba-diary-day-3-game-day
Clarinetist Rena Kraut takes us to the streets of Havana and rides in a cocotaxi: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/16/notes-from-cuba-interlude?WT.mc_id=84073e19e8fed6a018361dcb6c497d58
Here’s the Orchestra’s photo gallery from Day 3 https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/stories/18-cuba-photos-day-3
Our friend Scott Chamberlain is reporting for MinnPost. He talks about the students’ response to the master classes and side-by-side rehearsal, and about what our musicians are learning from the Cubans. http://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2015/05/perfect-cultural-exchange-minnesota-orchestra-musicians-share-global-language-m
Scott Chamberlain has also posted some more personal reflections (including being asked to translate for Osmo at Friday morning’s rehearsal!) on his own “Mask of the Flower Prince” blog. See here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/15/1625/
and here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/15/cuban-surprises/
Graydon Royce reported for the StarTribune on the musicians’ visits with the Cuban music high school and college: http://www.startribune.com/at-cuban-schools-minnesota-orchestra-musicians-teach-and-learn/303808971/?c=n&clmob=y
Here’s Graydon’s report from the Friday night concert: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestra-s-concert-friday-night-in-cuba-draws-enthusiastic-crowd-of-music-fans-media/303981221/
Here’s a terrific StarTribune photo gallery: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestra-performs-first-cuba-concert/303993131/
From the Havana Times: http://goseecuba.com/the-minnesota-orchestra-plays-cuba/
Here’s the BBC News report: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-32762780
Here’s a report from Al Jazeera America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zwfgmqlGsw#sjs
Even Myanmar TV is reporting it! http://www.myanmarinternational.tv/news/minnesota-orchestra-performs-havana
And here’s a great little 45-second video report from AFP News Agency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe1jdbs5pmg
Join in the fun! Explore online reports with hashtag #MNOrchCuba or #Cubadisco And post or tweet or retweet yourself! We’ll be watching for you.
Posted on Facebook 5/15
WHAT A CONCERT! Let's do it again Saturday night!
ALEJANDRO CATURLA: Danzon
BERNSTEIN: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
PROKOFIEV: Romeo and Juliet Suite
If you have a computer or mobile device and an internet connection you can hear it live. Details here: http://www.yourclassical.org/story/2015/05/13/minnesota-orchestra-live-from-cuba
WHAT A CONCERT! Let's do it again Saturday night!
ALEJANDRO CATURLA: Danzon
BERNSTEIN: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
PROKOFIEV: Romeo and Juliet Suite
If you have a computer or mobile device and an internet connection you can hear it live. Details here: http://www.yourclassical.org/story/2015/05/13/minnesota-orchestra-live-from-cuba
Posted on Facebook 5/15
Today’s NY Times headline: “Minnesota Orchestra’s Cuba Trip Puts It at the Cultural Vanguard” Michael Cooper also says “…against all odds, the scrappy Minnesotans got there first.” And he quotes Kevin Smith: “All of a sudden this trip has galvanized the organization, and given everybody this sense of excitement and adventure and confidence that we can do anything.” Your buttons will burst with pride when you read his article in today’s Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/15/arts/music/minnesota-orchestras-cuba-trip-puts-it-at-the-cultural-vanguard.html?_r=0
MPR broadcaster Brian Newhouse posted a wonderful video and Nate Ryan’s amazing photos: http://www.classicalmpr.org/blog/classical-notes/2015/05/14/cuba-day-1-from-frost-to-incredible-warmth
The Orchestra posted photos from performances, master classes and individual sessions with Cuban music students here: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/14-cuba-photos-day-2
KSTP TV’s lead news story last night was Tom Hauser’s live report from Cuba! Watch it here: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3796717.shtml?cat=127 They also posted a photo gallery.
A Cuban publication called “CUBARTE – The Portal of Cuban Culture” posted a terrific story and photos: http://www.cubarte.cult.cu/en/noticia/minnesota-orchestra-visit-national-music-school-and-university-arts/24983
Both tonight’s and Saturday night’s concerts will be broadcast and live-streamed on MN Public Radio and American Public Media! This means that pretty much anyone anywhere will be able to hear them. Details and repertoire here: http://www.yourclassical.org/story/2015/05/13/minnesota-orchestra-live-from-cuba And we hear that 55+ stations across the U.S. in the American Public Media network will be broadcasting at least one of the concerts as well!!!
Plan ahead! The StarTribune is hosting a free happy hour at their headquarters on May 28, featuring photos from the trip. Details here: http://www.startribune.com/may-28-stribhq-happy-hour-featuring-photos-from-minnesota-orchestra-s-cuba-tour/303837901/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it
Today’s NY Times headline: “Minnesota Orchestra’s Cuba Trip Puts It at the Cultural Vanguard” Michael Cooper also says “…against all odds, the scrappy Minnesotans got there first.” And he quotes Kevin Smith: “All of a sudden this trip has galvanized the organization, and given everybody this sense of excitement and adventure and confidence that we can do anything.” Your buttons will burst with pride when you read his article in today’s Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/15/arts/music/minnesota-orchestras-cuba-trip-puts-it-at-the-cultural-vanguard.html?_r=0
MPR broadcaster Brian Newhouse posted a wonderful video and Nate Ryan’s amazing photos: http://www.classicalmpr.org/blog/classical-notes/2015/05/14/cuba-day-1-from-frost-to-incredible-warmth
The Orchestra posted photos from performances, master classes and individual sessions with Cuban music students here: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/14-cuba-photos-day-2
KSTP TV’s lead news story last night was Tom Hauser’s live report from Cuba! Watch it here: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3796717.shtml?cat=127 They also posted a photo gallery.
A Cuban publication called “CUBARTE – The Portal of Cuban Culture” posted a terrific story and photos: http://www.cubarte.cult.cu/en/noticia/minnesota-orchestra-visit-national-music-school-and-university-arts/24983
Both tonight’s and Saturday night’s concerts will be broadcast and live-streamed on MN Public Radio and American Public Media! This means that pretty much anyone anywhere will be able to hear them. Details and repertoire here: http://www.yourclassical.org/story/2015/05/13/minnesota-orchestra-live-from-cuba And we hear that 55+ stations across the U.S. in the American Public Media network will be broadcasting at least one of the concerts as well!!!
Plan ahead! The StarTribune is hosting a free happy hour at their headquarters on May 28, featuring photos from the trip. Details here: http://www.startribune.com/may-28-stribhq-happy-hour-featuring-photos-from-minnesota-orchestra-s-cuba-tour/303837901/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it
Posted on Facebook 5/14
Sights! Sounds! Stories! Sensations! CUBA! The info is flowing in so fast that we can barely keep up with it! And each of the reporters gives us a unique perspective on this historic trip. Take a few minutes to check out these links – you’ll be happy you did and oh, so proud of our Orchestra, the passion they bring, and the passion they kindle in others.
Violist Sam Bergman’s Day 1 post: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/13-cuba-diary-day-one
Clarinetist Rena Kraut’s Day 1 report for MPR: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/14/notes-from-cuba-downbeat
The Orchestra’s photo gallery with captions: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/12-cuba-day-1
Graydon Royce’s first report from Cuba for the StarTribune: http://www.startribune.com/with-selfies-and-tchaikovsky-orchestra-arrives-in-havana/303659791/
Graydon Royce’s 5/14 report about Wednesday afternoon and evening activities: http://www.startribune.com/musicians-tour-old-havana-before-rehearsing-for-first-time-today/303745971/
Tom Hauser’s video report for KSTP Channel 5: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3794862.shtml
Sights! Sounds! Stories! Sensations! CUBA! The info is flowing in so fast that we can barely keep up with it! And each of the reporters gives us a unique perspective on this historic trip. Take a few minutes to check out these links – you’ll be happy you did and oh, so proud of our Orchestra, the passion they bring, and the passion they kindle in others.
Violist Sam Bergman’s Day 1 post: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/13-cuba-diary-day-one
Clarinetist Rena Kraut’s Day 1 report for MPR: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/14/notes-from-cuba-downbeat
The Orchestra’s photo gallery with captions: https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/showcase/12-cuba-day-1
Graydon Royce’s first report from Cuba for the StarTribune: http://www.startribune.com/with-selfies-and-tchaikovsky-orchestra-arrives-in-havana/303659791/
Graydon Royce’s 5/14 report about Wednesday afternoon and evening activities: http://www.startribune.com/musicians-tour-old-havana-before-rehearsing-for-first-time-today/303745971/
Tom Hauser’s video report for KSTP Channel 5: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3794862.shtml
Posted on Facebook 5/12
MN Public Radio is blazing trails too for this week’s broadcasts from Cuba!
Some tidbits: “…when Byers and his team sat down and examined the map of undersea cables in the Caribbean, they found almost no connectivity to the rest of the word, save for two connections to Venezuela. But because both MPR’s sibling company American Public Media and Cuban state radio (ICRT) are associate members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), it was possible to make a satellite connection from Cuban radio in Havana to a downlink in Geneva, Switzerland, and from there to a site in London that could connect to MPR in St. Paul.
“Fortunately, as May approached, MPR found an easier solution. The plan is now to use a direct uplink by satellite from Havana to St. Paul, where MPR will downlink the broadcast both at its own Fitzgerald Theater downlink site and at a backup location a few blocks away at Twin Cities Public Television.”
Read the full story here: http://current.org/2015/05/minnesota-public-radio-and-minnesota-orchestra-open-broadcast-door-to-cuba/
Way to go, MPR!!!
MN Public Radio is blazing trails too for this week’s broadcasts from Cuba!
Some tidbits: “…when Byers and his team sat down and examined the map of undersea cables in the Caribbean, they found almost no connectivity to the rest of the word, save for two connections to Venezuela. But because both MPR’s sibling company American Public Media and Cuban state radio (ICRT) are associate members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), it was possible to make a satellite connection from Cuban radio in Havana to a downlink in Geneva, Switzerland, and from there to a site in London that could connect to MPR in St. Paul.
“Fortunately, as May approached, MPR found an easier solution. The plan is now to use a direct uplink by satellite from Havana to St. Paul, where MPR will downlink the broadcast both at its own Fitzgerald Theater downlink site and at a backup location a few blocks away at Twin Cities Public Television.”
Read the full story here: http://current.org/2015/05/minnesota-public-radio-and-minnesota-orchestra-open-broadcast-door-to-cuba/
Way to go, MPR!!!
Posted on Facebook 5/12
Our Orchestra in Havana – 1929 | 1930 | 2015 – read some astonishing parallels in Scott Chamberlain’s report on what he found as he dug through Orchestra archives! https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/11/havana-1929-the-minnesota-orchestras-first-historic-tour-to-cuba/
Our Orchestra in Havana – 1929 | 1930 | 2015 – read some astonishing parallels in Scott Chamberlain’s report on what he found as he dug through Orchestra archives! https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/05/11/havana-1929-the-minnesota-orchestras-first-historic-tour-to-cuba/
Posted on Facebook 5/11
Cuba…MN Orchestra...Kevin Smith…Amy Klobuchar…Marilyn Carlson Nelson…Tony Oliva. Connect the dots with Graydon Royce’s column in this morning’s StarTribune! http://www.startribune.com/symphonic-diplomacy-is-goal-of-minnesota-orchestra-s-cuba-trip/303236621/
Cuba…MN Orchestra...Kevin Smith…Amy Klobuchar…Marilyn Carlson Nelson…Tony Oliva. Connect the dots with Graydon Royce’s column in this morning’s StarTribune! http://www.startribune.com/symphonic-diplomacy-is-goal-of-minnesota-orchestra-s-cuba-trip/303236621/
Posted on Facebook 5/6
Rena Kraut is a local freelance clarinetist who occasionally “subs” for the MN Orchestra, who is lucky enough to be going on the trip to Cuba next week, and who also happens to be a very fine writer. Luckily for us, MPR has contracted with Rena to write dispatches from the field! Her first post includes interesting insights into the world of a professional orchestral musician, observations about the unique relationship MN Orchestra musicians have with us, their audience, and more. Read it here: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/05/notes-cuba-an-introduction
Our friend Scott Chamberlain will be accompanying the Orchestra to Cuba too, and writing for MinnPost. He recently posted a reading list for those of us who want to know more about the country, its history, its music, the Revolution, Havana, its fiction & literature, etc. Read Scott’s post here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/a-cuban-reading-list/
And yesterday MPR announced that next Friday’s and Saturday’s concerts from Havana will be broadcast live! More info here: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/05/listen-live-to-mn-orchestra-s-historic-cuba-concerts-on-classical-mpr
Do we live in the best state in the country, or what!?!
Rena Kraut is a local freelance clarinetist who occasionally “subs” for the MN Orchestra, who is lucky enough to be going on the trip to Cuba next week, and who also happens to be a very fine writer. Luckily for us, MPR has contracted with Rena to write dispatches from the field! Her first post includes interesting insights into the world of a professional orchestral musician, observations about the unique relationship MN Orchestra musicians have with us, their audience, and more. Read it here: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/05/notes-cuba-an-introduction
Our friend Scott Chamberlain will be accompanying the Orchestra to Cuba too, and writing for MinnPost. He recently posted a reading list for those of us who want to know more about the country, its history, its music, the Revolution, Havana, its fiction & literature, etc. Read Scott’s post here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/a-cuban-reading-list/
And yesterday MPR announced that next Friday’s and Saturday’s concerts from Havana will be broadcast live! More info here: http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/05/05/listen-live-to-mn-orchestra-s-historic-cuba-concerts-on-classical-mpr
Do we live in the best state in the country, or what!?!
Posted on Facebook 5/1
Cuba – are you eager to learn more about its history, its music, the Revolution, Havana, its fiction & literature, etc.?
Well, our friend the intrepid blogger (and soon-to-be reporter) Scott Chamberlain is here to help! Scott has assembled a fantastic reading list of books about Cuba. See it here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/…/a-cuban-read…/
A huge THANK YOU to those of you who helped raise the funds that will allow Scott to join the press corps for the MN Orchestra’s Cuba trip later this month! Stay tuned for his dispatches from the field. Meanwhile, happy reading!
Cuba – are you eager to learn more about its history, its music, the Revolution, Havana, its fiction & literature, etc.?
Well, our friend the intrepid blogger (and soon-to-be reporter) Scott Chamberlain is here to help! Scott has assembled a fantastic reading list of books about Cuba. See it here: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/…/a-cuban-read…/
A huge THANK YOU to those of you who helped raise the funds that will allow Scott to join the press corps for the MN Orchestra’s Cuba trip later this month! Stay tuned for his dispatches from the field. Meanwhile, happy reading!
Posted on Facebook 4/18
Did you see Kevin Smith talking about the Cuba trip on Almanac last night? Watch it here: http://www.mnvideovault.org/index.php?id=27672&select_index=4&popup=yes#4
May 15-16. Our beloved MN Orchestra musicians, led by Osmo Vänskä. Broadcast on MPR May 15. Covered by Twin Cities, national, Cuban and international press. Our musicians sharing their knowledge in a "side by side" rehearsal with Cuban students. A collaboration with the Cuban choir "Coro Entrevoces." WOW!
Did you see Kevin Smith talking about the Cuba trip on Almanac last night? Watch it here: http://www.mnvideovault.org/index.php?id=27672&select_index=4&popup=yes#4
May 15-16. Our beloved MN Orchestra musicians, led by Osmo Vänskä. Broadcast on MPR May 15. Covered by Twin Cities, national, Cuban and international press. Our musicians sharing their knowledge in a "side by side" rehearsal with Cuban students. A collaboration with the Cuban choir "Coro Entrevoces." WOW!
Posted 2/12
You have probably seen or heard this announcement from multiple news sources today, but we just wanted to express our excitement and gratefulness for all of the people who made it happen!
* The Cuban Ministry of Culture for the invitation
* MN Orchestra management and Music Director Osmo Vänskä for responding with a YES with lightning speed
* MN Orchestra musicians for offering to postpone a week of vacation in order to take advantage of this invitation
* Marilyn C. and Glen D. Nelson for their generous gift that makes the tour possible
* All of YOU who, through your ticket purchases, donations, volunteering, goodwill and “boostering” helped bring our Orchestra back to the prominence it deserves in just one year.
News services and music writers & bloggers all over the world have sprung into action today to report on the significance of these concerts and this cultural exchange. What a thrill!
Here’s the MN Orchestra Press Release: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/about/learn-more/press-room/1125-minnesota-orchestra-cuba-2015
Here’s a blog post by Scott Chamberlain: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/vamos-a-cuba/
Here’s an article from the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/style/wp/2015/02/12/minnesota-orchestra-to-play-in-cuba-in-may/
You have probably seen or heard this announcement from multiple news sources today, but we just wanted to express our excitement and gratefulness for all of the people who made it happen!
* The Cuban Ministry of Culture for the invitation
* MN Orchestra management and Music Director Osmo Vänskä for responding with a YES with lightning speed
* MN Orchestra musicians for offering to postpone a week of vacation in order to take advantage of this invitation
* Marilyn C. and Glen D. Nelson for their generous gift that makes the tour possible
* All of YOU who, through your ticket purchases, donations, volunteering, goodwill and “boostering” helped bring our Orchestra back to the prominence it deserves in just one year.
News services and music writers & bloggers all over the world have sprung into action today to report on the significance of these concerts and this cultural exchange. What a thrill!
Here’s the MN Orchestra Press Release: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/about/learn-more/press-room/1125-minnesota-orchestra-cuba-2015
Here’s a blog post by Scott Chamberlain: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/vamos-a-cuba/
Here’s an article from the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/style/wp/2015/02/12/minnesota-orchestra-to-play-in-cuba-in-may/