The first phase of the exchange is Sept. 26-29, which will be the first time since 1999 that a professional American orchestra has sent musicians to Cuba, and only the second time since the revolution in 1959. So far, a wind quintet from the orchestra is to perform in one of Havana's main concert venues and master classes will be offered to the students attending the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory. Ensemble members will be principal flute Clay Ellerbroek, principal oboe Katherine Young, principal clarinet Brian Moorhead, principal bassoon Anthony Georgeson and principal French horn Robert Rearden.
TFO Board Chair Thomas Farquhar remarked, “Many members of our community and around the state of Florida are of Cuban heritage with Cuban cultural traditions, music and foods as a part of their daily lives. Tampa Bay’s history has been enriched by strong ties with Cuba for well over a hundred years, including important Cuban writers, poets, architects, musicians and other artists visiting our area in the first half of the 20th century. As part of our cultural exchange, we hope that we can feature more Cuban composers’ works in our programming and even invite some of Cuba’s performing artists to share the stage with our orchestra.”
If you're wondering when we will get a taste of the Latin-flavored program, you can mark your calendars down for May 2012. During this time, Enrique Perez Mesa, music director of the Cuban orchestra, will make his U.S. conducting debut with TFO. These concerts will take place on May 11 at the Straz Center, May 12 at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts and May 13 at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
In addition, as a gesture of good will and a tangible token of friendship, the five principle musicians will be taking with them various musical instruments and accessories necessary for maintenance to aid students at the conservatory. The donation drive is running through July 22, so if you're interested in making a contribution, contact Angela Cassette at 727-362-5460.
