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The Minnesota Orchestra's whirlwind tour was the first by a U.S. orchestra since President Obama announced plans to normalize relations with the island nation. 


Cuban audiences warmly welcomed the musicians, who not only played two sold-out concerts, but also visited schools and performed on the streets.


MPR News reporter Euan Kerr was along for the tour and talked to 

"I think I have seen more people in tears over the last three days than in such a short time in my entire life," Kerr said. "The connections that were made during this trip between ordinary Cubans and the musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra and really the sense that there is change coming, there's immense possibility out there, immense potential and people are just really happy this happened."

Relive the MN Orchestra's trip

Trip of firsts comes to a close

Musicians, Cuban students share a global language

Complex preparations made trip possible

For musicians, thrill of trip tempered by fear over instruments

'Crazy idea,' Cuban ties sped orchestra's return to Havana

One of the powerful moments of the trip happened during the second performance, Kerr said. The orchestra performed the Cuban and U.S. national anthems with a standing, tearful audience singing along:

Minnesota Orchestra plays Cuban, US national anthems to tearful audience by MPR News

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MPR News' Euan Kerr recaps the highlights. Listen to the orchestra perform the Cuban and U.S. national anthems with a standing, tearful audience singing along.

MPR News' Euan Kerr was along for the tour and recaps the highlights. Listen to the orchestra perform the Cuban and U.S. national anthems with a standing, tearful audience singing along.

A look back on the MN Orchestra's historic Cuban tour

Nate Ryan | Classical MPR/Minnesota Orchestra

Osmo Vanska conducted the Minnesota Orchestra

A look back on the MN Orchestra's historic Cuban tour

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