In what might be taken as one more sign that the United States and Cuba are getting friendlier, an American conductor will lead a Cuban orchestra in a concert celebrating the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra music director Marin Alsop will conduct the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Cuba in an outdoor performance Oct. 9 in the Plaza de la Catedral of Old Havana.
Joining Alsop and the orchestra will be two celebrated pianists -- one from the classical arena, Lang Lang; the other a major figure in Afro-Cuban jazz, Chucho Valdés. Program details will be announced later.
The concert is a co-production of CAMI Music and ELCCNY, in cooperation with the Cuban Institute of Music in Havana and the Ministry of Culture of Cuba.