[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 17, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA ON ITS VISIT TO CUBA

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 
Minnesota Orchestra and its music director, Osmo Vanska, for the 
ensemble's recent visit to Cuba--the first major American orchestra to 
do so since President Obama announced efforts to normalize our Nation's 
relationship with Cuba. The Minnesota Orchestra last visited Cuba in 
1930, when it was known as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra.
  For more than a century, the Minnesota Orchestra has demonstrated a 
deep commitment to innovation and diversity, and this visit is just the 
latest example. During its whirlwind visit, the orchestra won the 
hearts and minds of music lovers across the island nation. The 
performances were met with applause and acclaim, and they illustrated 
the importance of strengthening the cultural bonds between our 
countries and our people. In Cuba, there is a real eagerness for the 
person-to-person contact that has been blocked for decades. This trip 
signified real steps towards forming those crucial relationships--
proving that music is a language that reaches beyond cultural, 
political, and geographical barriers to unite us all. I commend the 
Minnesota Orchestra for its willingness and initiative to take part in 
this historic cultural moment.
  Since its inception in 1903, the Minnesota Orchestra has promoted new 
ideas, new connections, and new music. Under Mr. Vanska's leadership, 
this orchestra has risen in the ranks to become one of the top 
symphonic ensembles in America, and I am proud that it calls Minnesota 
home. The orchestra has become a visionary leader in the world of 
symphonic and classical music, stretching beyond what other ensembles 
imagine is possible, in order to achieve excellence in its field.
  I hope my colleagues will join me as I commend the Minnesota 
Orchestra, its Musical Director Osmo Vanska and all of the talented 
musicians and dedicated staff on this historic tour of Cuba, and for 
more than a century of performing and producing beautiful music enjoyed 
not just in Minnesota but around the world.

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