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Euan Kerr

A look back on the MN Orchestra's historic Cuban tour

The Friday concert
Osmo Vanska conducted the Minnesota Orchestra onstage at the Cuban National Theater. The Orchestra performed their first concert Friday night in Havana, Cuba, which was broadcast live on Minnesota Public Radio across the United States and Cuba on May 15, 2015.
Nate Ryan | Classical MPR/Minnesota Orchestra

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The Minnesota Orchestra's whirlwind tour was the first by a U.S. orchestra since President Obama announced plans to normalize relations with the island nation.

Cuban audiences warmly welcomed the musicians, who not only played two sold-out concerts, but also visited schools and performed on the streets.

MPR News reporter Euan Kerr was along for the tour and talked to MPR News' Tom Weber about the experience.

"I think I have seen more people in tears over the last three days than in such a short time in my entire life," Kerr said. "The connections that were made during this trip between ordinary Cubans and the musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra and really the sense that there is change coming, there's immense possibility out there, immense potential and people are just really happy this happened."

One of the powerful moments of the trip happened during the second performance, Kerr said. The orchestra performed the Cuban and U.S. national anthems with a standing, tearful audience singing along:

Gallery
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The Minnesota Orchestra took the stage
The Minnesota Orchestra took the stage at the Cuban National Theater with Osmo Vanska conducting. The Orchestra performed their first concert Friday night in Havana, which was broadcast live on Minnesota Public Radio across the United States and Cuba on May 15, 2015.
Nate Ryan | Classical MPR/Minnesota Orchestra
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The Minnesota Orchestra on stage
The Minnesota Orchestra on stage Friday night, May 15, 2015 at the Cuban National Theater. The Orchestra performed their first concert in Havana Cuba, which was broadcast live on Minnesota Public Radio across the United States and Cuba.
Nate Ryan | Classical MPR/Minnesota Orchestra
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Osmo Vanska conducted the Minnesota Orchestra
Osmo Vanska conducted the Minnesota Orchestra during their first concert at the Cuban National Theater on Friday, May 15, 2015.
Nate Ryan | Classical MPR/Minnesota Orchestra