New York Philharmonic invited to perform in Cuba

The New York Times has reported the following:

The New York Philharmonic, is seriously considering an invitation to perform for the first time in Havana. Philharmonic officials plan to travel to Cuba on Friday to look over logistics, the orchestra’s spokesman, Eric Latzky said.

The visit would take place in late October, just a few days after the orchestra returns from an Asian tour that will include Vietnam. In February 2008, it traveled to North Korea.

In the wake of that visit, several Philharmonic officials had casual conversations with an ABC News official who has contacts with Cuban diplomats in Washington. The ABC official put the two sides together, unofficial contacts ensued, and a formal invitation came last week, Mr. Latzky said.

The Cuban visit would last three or four days, he said, and include two concerts. The Philharmonic’s incoming music director, Alan Gilbert, would conduct, as he will for the Asian tour just before. No repertory has been chosen, Mr. Latzky said.