Fun in Havana for the Minnesota Orchestra

By Progreso Weekly Last updated May 18, 2015

After this weekend’s concert in Havana, the Minnesota Orchestra had definitely won over the hearts of many Cubans. But Cuba and its people had also won over the members of the orchestra.

Jam-packed concerts on Friday and Saturday at the Teatro Nacional led to fun on the streets and late night partying for many of the orchestra members including its leader, Osmo Vanska (photographed above being kissed by a Cuban woman on the street).

Early Sunday morning (or was it late Saturday night) saw Vanska playing clarinet in shirtsleeves and in looser surroundings as members of his orchestra joined Orquesta Aragón to play a mixture of jazz and Cuban music at the Habana Cafe.

(Minnesota Orchestra photographer Travis Anderson took the photos that appear in Progreso Weekly.)

Violinist Milana Reiche during rehearsal.

Bass trombonist Andrew Chappell warms up backstage.

Music Director Osmo Vänskä leads the concert, which featured the music of Caturla, Bernstein and Prokofiev.

Performing the Cuban and American national anthems before the concert.

Violist Tom Turner prepares for the concert.

Music Director Osmo Vänskä applauds the audience.

After the concert, many members of the orchestra attended a late-night jazz concert featuring Orquesta Aragon.

Charles Lazarus, Dave Williamson, Peter Kogan and Osmo joined members of Orquesta Aragon. They performed at the Havana Cafe, home of the Buena Vista Social Club, and played a pieces ranging from from Dos Gardenias to Caravan.