CuBa 2016

On the invitation of a consortium of Cuban citizens representing social, cultural, and religious communities, the acclaimed Borowsky musical family toured Cuba in January 2016 to foster social, cultural, and religious relations between the people of Cuba and the USA.
       This was the family’s third visit since 2010. Concerts and meetings under the motto, "Music: The Best Bridge for All People," were held in Havana and Cienfuegos Province. Concerts were well-attended and enthusiastically received. The Borowskys also conducted master classes and performed jointly with a community orchestra. A special composition by the American Virtuosi, “Hola Amigos, Hello My Friends,” dedicated to the people of Cuba and performed at each concert, became an instant hit.
       Their visit also resulted in plans for jointly renovating the music center in Cumanayagua, Cienfuegos Province, as well as an intended revisit of the directors to the USA. Dr. Borowsky was also interviewed by the Cuban Radio and press about the American Virtuosi and the function of music in the age of globalization and in international relations.
   This type of visit may become a model for future social and cultural relations between the USA and Cuba. As Dr. Charles H.Borowsky summarized this innovating experience, "Indeed, music is the best bridge for all people, as our performances in over 90 countries, including Germany, the Baltic States, China, and Cuba have demonstrated. I strongly believe that our contributions to foster peaceful, friendly, and mutual beneficial relations between the people of the USA and Cuba also matter."
       Hernandez Utrilla Yasleidy wrote in the City of Cumanayagua Weekly Report:
"The world knows them. The people embrace them. The  Borowsky Family/American Virtuosi are more than universal. These five members carry in their blood an abundance of love for the arts and people. Their  music unites hearts, opens doors, and makes the sun shine for everyone…. I've seen them and still feel the rhythm and melody of their music. That's great music. That's the music of their souls which inspires, uplifts, and motivates for a happy and productive life." 
    During their visit and joint concerts, the American and Cuban flags were displayed side-by-side, and the town bands performed the American national anthem.

Responses from the Cuban people:

• "You inspired us in many ways... Your outstanding concerts and informative conversations brought us closer… In meeting you, it seems that we experienced the best of the USA.” -Juan Andres, Orchestra Director in Cienfuegos Province (following a joint public concert preceded by performance of the national anthems and raising of the flags of the USA and Cuba)

• “Please accept our gratitude for your donations, inspirations, and foremost - for motivating us to foster friendly relations between Cuba and the USA. Your message, “Music is the Best Bridge for All People,” has been well-received by us. We shall follow your impressive example." -Susanna Betancourt, a community leader and educator in Havana (farewell address)

Click here for complete Cuba 2016 tour information