Recognizing the Minnesota Orchestra on its Visit to Cuba
Floor Speech
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Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the Minnesota Orchestra and its music director, Osmo Va 4nska 4, 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. Va 4nska 4'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 Va 4nska 4 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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