U.S. Embassy Havana
Press Release
Havana, Cuba
January 20, 2023
On January 19, the U.S. Embassy in Havana hosted a performance by the Cuban American Youth Orchestra (CAYO) at the residence of the Chargé d’Affaires. The program highlighted the strong cultural ties between the United States and Cuba, and featured a rousing performance, where both U.S. and Cuban student musicians and teachers from both nations displayed their talents before an appreciative binational audience.
CAYO, founded and directed by Dr. Rena Kraut, started with the Minnesota Orchestra’s historic 2015 tour in Havana. CAYO has since conducted exchanges between young musicians from both countries, providing a creative space for the people of the United States and Cuba to connect through music. Between 150 and 200 American and Cuban music students participate annually in CAYO performances.
In his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires, Benjamin Ziff noted the value of cultural initiatives such as CAYO’s, and how nurturing musical talent in Cuba and the United States contributes to the artistic connections between both countries.
To learn more about CAYO, you can visit their website.
