It’s all about the music! A USINT reception for visiting Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Wynton Marsalis, JLCO music director and trumpeter, speaks with Senator and Mrs. Dodd. October 4, 2010. (State Dpto image)

On Monday, October 4, USINT Chief of Mission Jonathan Farrar and Mrs. Terry Farrar opened the doors of their residence for a reception in honor of visiting musicians from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO).  Guests at the star-studded event included Wynton Marsalis, JLCO music director and trumpeter, world-famous Cuban musician Chucho Valdés, and other notable Cuban musicians, diplomats and cultural representatives.  With so much talent in the house, a musical exchange was inevitable, and guests were treated to an impromptu concert by Chucho Valdes, Wynton Marsalis and other Cuban and American musicians.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis is in Havana for a five-day residency at the invitation of the Cuban Institute of Music.  In addition to the USINT welcome reception, events include concerts featuring the JLCO performing with Jesus ‘Chucho' Valdes and other Cuban musicians, workshops and a Jazz for Young People concert.   The residency is particularly notable as it is the first time that the JLCO performs in Cuba.  Later in the month, the JLCO returns to New York City for the Afro-Cuban Jazz Celebration Concerts featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Chucho Valdes and the Afro-Cuban Messengers.

USINT Public Affairs Officer Gloria Berbena commented on the JLCO Havana residency, saying, "From its beginnings, jazz has been influenced by Cuban music.  This residency is a wonderful opportunity to showcase that fusion and the talents of some truly great performers, and to encourage the continuing cultural exchange between the Cuban and American people."

Click here to visit the Jazz at Lincoln Center website