Dear all,
My apologies for a lack of communication! The internet is slow and it is difficult to find time to wait for one of the computers in the hotel lobby. Unfortunately, I can't upload pictures or videos. I think they put our emails and a boat and bring them to Miami to be sent! Here is a quick uopdate...
We are all having a wonderful time. We have spent out days visiting local music schools to perform, listen and interact. The level of musicianship here is absolutely incredible. The students we meet have been enrolled in full time music school from an early age and spent most of their days rehearsing and practicing.
In addition to our pool breaks, we have had time to stroll through the beautiful streets of Old Havana complete with antique cars and hints of cigar smoke. Today we enjoyed the Cuban Art Museum and learned more about their history and current government structure.
Last night, we took many of the kids to a Salsa Club for a dance that would put most SPS formals to shame! I was reminded why I don't choreograph any of the Madrigals songs!
We are also rock stars in Cuba. We were featured on the Cuban evening news last night and everywhere we go, we are recognized!
Off to rehearsal...
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
We have arrived!
Just a quick note to let everyone know that we have arrived safely in Cuba. Everyone is tired and excited!
Off to dinner...
Off to dinner...
Thursday, March 3, 2011
ITINERARY
DAY 1: FLY TO HAVANA (WD) Sunday, march 6
5:00 AM
Check in at the American Airlines desk at the Boston Airport.
Please note you won’t be able to check your luggage directly to Cuba, but only to Miami.
7:00 AM
Depart Boston Airport (BOS) on American Airlines flight #1133.
10: 30 AM
Arrive in Miami International Airport (MIA).
Upon arrival, please collect your luggage and go to concourse G, 2nd floor. Check in at Gulfstream Desk with Classical Movements Representative Johan Van Zyl.
1:00 PM
Depart on Gulfstream # 5K 252 to Havana.
2:10 PM
Arrive Jose Marti Airport in Havana. Upon arrival, please proceed through Immigration, where you will be asked a few questions regarding your trip to Cuba. You should say you are part of the St. Paul’s School concert tour. The Immigration officer may collect your fingerprints and take your photo (this is the same as we do for all foreign visitors) for their records. It is common security practice that Cuban Officers randomly pull travelers aside for a second interview and inspection and they might then also take away your passport. If it happens to you, please do not be alarmed, as we will have ground agents from Havanatur to assist you with the interview. Then proceed to a Security screening area for hand baggage which is x-rayed. Then wait till your luggage arrives on the carousel, collects your luggage and walk through Customs. There are free luggage trolleys to carry your luggage.
Ground agents will escort you in groups outside where you will meet Tour Manager Carlos Dahl and your local Cuban guide and will board bus. Transfer to the hotel. There will be a short orientation tour while driving to the hotel, passing Avenida de los Presidentes to the Revolution Square to colonial Old Havana, from where your guide will point historical buildings, monuments and places of interest.
3:30 PM
Check-in to the hotel Presidente.
Free time to rest.
7:00 PM
Board bus to depart for restaurant.
7:30 PM
Welcome dinner with local music.
8:45 PM
Board bus and depart for hotel.
Overnight in Havana
DAY 2: HAVANA (B, D) Monday, march 7
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
9:45 AM
Board bus to depart to the Escuela Nacional de Música.
10:30 AM -12: 00 PM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Escuela Nacional de Música.
12:30 PM
Lunch on your own.
1:30 PM
Board bus to depart for the Conservatorio de Guanabacoa.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Coservatorio de Guanabacoa.
4:00 PM
Board bus to depart for the Historical and Educational guided tour.
4:30 PM-
Historical and educational tour along the Avenida de los Presidentes to the Revolution Square and further along the Malecon and Prado to colonial Old Havana. On a guided walking tour you will learn about the history and colonial architecture of (Old) Habana Vieja and see the most important squares and sites: Capitolio, Prado, Bacardi Building, Calle Obispo, and Cathedral Square, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, El Templete, Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Plaza Vieja. If time permits visit one of the museums or art galleries.
6:00 PM
Return to hotel.
7:30 PM
Board bus to depart for the restaurant.
7:45 PM
Group dinner.
9:00 PM
Board bus and depart for hotel.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 3: HAVANA (B, D) TUESDAY, MARCH 8
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
STRING ENSEMBLE
9:00 AM
Board bus to depart for Cuban Music Master Class at the Oratorio San Felipe Neri
9:15 AM
Cuban Music Master Class with Maestro Ivan Valiente, conductor of the Solistas de la Habana String Ensemble
12:00 PM
Board bus to depart for hotel
MADRIGAL SINGERS
9:15 AM
Meet at the lobby to walk to the meeting room at the hotel
Cuban Music Master Class with Digna Guerra, conductor of Coro Nacional de Cuba and Coro de Cámara Entrevoces.
ALL
Lunch on your own.
1:45 PM
Board bus to depart to the Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán
4:00 PM
Return to hotel
6: 30PM
Board bus to depart for restaurant
Group dinner
8:30 PM
Board bus and depart for hotel.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 4: HAVANA (B, L) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
9:05 AM
Board bus to depart for guided visit
Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Cuban section) with the masterpieces of Cuban artists from several generations.
12:30 PM
Group Lunch.
1:30 PM
Board bus to depart for the Instituto Superior de Arte
2:00 PM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Instituto Superior de Arte
4: 00PM
Board bus to depart for hotel.
Free time to rest and relax
Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 5: PINAR DEL RIO (B, L) THURSDAY, MARCH 10
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
11:00 – 1:00 PM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT Escuela Vocacional de Arte “Pedro Raúl Sánchez”
1:00 PM
Board bus to depart for Viñales
1:30 PM
Group Lunch in Viñales
2: 30
Excursion to the picturesque village of Viñales, where time seems to stand still. Panoramic visit of the Viñales Valley and the Mural of Prehistory. On the way enjoy a panoramic tour through the Mogote-Valley with its famous limestone rocks.
4:30 PM
Return to Havana.
Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 6: MATANZAS (B, L) VIERNES, MARCH 11
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
9:05 AM
Board bus to depart for Matanzas. (approx. 1:30 minutes’’ drive)
Please wear your concert attire and bring your music!
11:00 AM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Escuela Vocacional de Arte y Conservatorio Nivel Medio de Música
1:00 PM
Board bus to depart for the Matanzas Seminary
1:15 PM
Group Lunch at the Seminary.
2:00 PM
Visit the beautiful seminary and hear about their large organic garden that caters to their community and medicinal herbs and plants.
STRING ENSEMBLE
3: 00PM
Cuban dance class
MADRIGAL SINGERS
3:00 PM
Cuban Music Workshop with Maestro José Antonio Méndez , conductor of Coro de Cámara de Matanzas
ALL
5:00 PM
Sound check at the Chapel
5:30 PM
Snacks
6:00 PM
CONCERT at the Seminary Chapel
7:30 PM
Board bus to depart for Havana
Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 7: HAVANA (B, L, D) SATURDAY, MARCH 12
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
Board bus to depart for Club Havana
12:30 PM
Group lunch at the club.
1:30 PM
Return to hotel
3:00 PM
Board bus to depart for hall.
Please wear your concert attire and bring your music!
3:30 –– 4:30 PM
Sound check of St. Paul’’s School
4:30 –– 5:30 PM
Sound check of Coro Nacional y Coro Nacional de Niños
5:30 PM
Sound check TUTTI
6:00 PM
CONCERT at the Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís with Coro Nacional and Coro Nacional de niños
8:00 PM
Walk to the restaurant
8:10 PM
Farewell Dinner.
9:30 PM
Board bus to depart for hotel
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 8: HAVANA – HOME (B) SUNDAY, MARCH 13
GROUP DEPARTING ON EARLY CHARTER
7:00 AM
Breakfast at hotel.
7:30 AM
Check out of the hotel. Please pay any incidental charges. (If possible please try and settle your incidentals the night before.) Remember you must pay in CUC's and American credit cards are not accepted
8:00 AM
Please bring your luggage to the bus and depart for the Jose Marti International Airport - Havana.
Please remember to have 25 CUC ready to pay your departure tax at the airport!
8:30 PM
Check in at Marazul desk at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.
11:00 AM
Depart Havana on Marazul flight TA 8303 for Miami International Airport
12:00 PM
Arrive Miami International Airport.
Upon arrival, please collect your baggage and proceed through Immigration and proceed through Immigration and Customs.
Check in at the American Airlines desk at the Miami Airport.
Lunch on your own.
Depart on your next flight.
MAIN GROUP
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out of the hotel. Please pay any incidental charges. (If possible please try and settle your incidentals the night before.) Remember you must pay in CUC's and American credit cards are not accepted!
9:15 AM
Please bring your luggage to the bus and board bus to depart for Arts and Craft Market.
9:20 AM
Bus depart for Arts and Crafts Market
Board bus and depart to Jose Marti International Airport - Havana.
Please remember to have 25 CUC ready to pay your departure tax at the airport!
12:30 PM
Check in at Gulfstream desk at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.
Lunch on your own.
3:20 PM
Depart Havana on Gulfstream charter flight # 5K 253 for Miami International Airport.
4:30 PM
Arrive Miami International Airport.
Upon arrival, please collect your baggage and proceed through Immigration and Customs.
Lunch on your own.
6:30 PM
Check in at the American Airlines desk at the Miami Airport.
9:00 PM
Depart Miami International Airport (MIA) on American Airlines flight # 2192.
12:05 AM
Arrive in Boston Airport.
5:00 AM
Check in at the American Airlines desk at the Boston Airport.
Please note you won’t be able to check your luggage directly to Cuba, but only to Miami.
7:00 AM
Depart Boston Airport (BOS) on American Airlines flight #1133.
10: 30 AM
Arrive in Miami International Airport (MIA).
Upon arrival, please collect your luggage and go to concourse G, 2nd floor. Check in at Gulfstream Desk with Classical Movements Representative Johan Van Zyl.
1:00 PM
Depart on Gulfstream # 5K 252 to Havana.
2:10 PM
Arrive Jose Marti Airport in Havana. Upon arrival, please proceed through Immigration, where you will be asked a few questions regarding your trip to Cuba. You should say you are part of the St. Paul’s School concert tour. The Immigration officer may collect your fingerprints and take your photo (this is the same as we do for all foreign visitors) for their records. It is common security practice that Cuban Officers randomly pull travelers aside for a second interview and inspection and they might then also take away your passport. If it happens to you, please do not be alarmed, as we will have ground agents from Havanatur to assist you with the interview. Then proceed to a Security screening area for hand baggage which is x-rayed. Then wait till your luggage arrives on the carousel, collects your luggage and walk through Customs. There are free luggage trolleys to carry your luggage.
Ground agents will escort you in groups outside where you will meet Tour Manager Carlos Dahl and your local Cuban guide and will board bus. Transfer to the hotel. There will be a short orientation tour while driving to the hotel, passing Avenida de los Presidentes to the Revolution Square to colonial Old Havana, from where your guide will point historical buildings, monuments and places of interest.
3:30 PM
Check-in to the hotel Presidente.
Free time to rest.
7:00 PM
Board bus to depart for restaurant.
7:30 PM
Welcome dinner with local music.
8:45 PM
Board bus and depart for hotel.
Overnight in Havana
DAY 2: HAVANA (B, D) Monday, march 7
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
9:45 AM
Board bus to depart to the Escuela Nacional de Música.
10:30 AM -12: 00 PM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Escuela Nacional de Música.
12:30 PM
Lunch on your own.
1:30 PM
Board bus to depart for the Conservatorio de Guanabacoa.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Coservatorio de Guanabacoa.
4:00 PM
Board bus to depart for the Historical and Educational guided tour.
4:30 PM-
Historical and educational tour along the Avenida de los Presidentes to the Revolution Square and further along the Malecon and Prado to colonial Old Havana. On a guided walking tour you will learn about the history and colonial architecture of (Old) Habana Vieja and see the most important squares and sites: Capitolio, Prado, Bacardi Building, Calle Obispo, and Cathedral Square, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, El Templete, Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Plaza Vieja. If time permits visit one of the museums or art galleries.
6:00 PM
Return to hotel.
7:30 PM
Board bus to depart for the restaurant.
7:45 PM
Group dinner.
9:00 PM
Board bus and depart for hotel.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 3: HAVANA (B, D) TUESDAY, MARCH 8
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
STRING ENSEMBLE
9:00 AM
Board bus to depart for Cuban Music Master Class at the Oratorio San Felipe Neri
9:15 AM
Cuban Music Master Class with Maestro Ivan Valiente, conductor of the Solistas de la Habana String Ensemble
12:00 PM
Board bus to depart for hotel
MADRIGAL SINGERS
9:15 AM
Meet at the lobby to walk to the meeting room at the hotel
Cuban Music Master Class with Digna Guerra, conductor of Coro Nacional de Cuba and Coro de Cámara Entrevoces.
ALL
Lunch on your own.
1:45 PM
Board bus to depart to the Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán
4:00 PM
Return to hotel
6: 30PM
Board bus to depart for restaurant
Group dinner
8:30 PM
Board bus and depart for hotel.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 4: HAVANA (B, L) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
9:05 AM
Board bus to depart for guided visit
Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Cuban section) with the masterpieces of Cuban artists from several generations.
12:30 PM
Group Lunch.
1:30 PM
Board bus to depart for the Instituto Superior de Arte
2:00 PM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Instituto Superior de Arte
4: 00PM
Board bus to depart for hotel.
Free time to rest and relax
Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 5: PINAR DEL RIO (B, L) THURSDAY, MARCH 10
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
11:00 – 1:00 PM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT Escuela Vocacional de Arte “Pedro Raúl Sánchez”
1:00 PM
Board bus to depart for Viñales
1:30 PM
Group Lunch in Viñales
2: 30
Excursion to the picturesque village of Viñales, where time seems to stand still. Panoramic visit of the Viñales Valley and the Mural of Prehistory. On the way enjoy a panoramic tour through the Mogote-Valley with its famous limestone rocks.
4:30 PM
Return to Havana.
Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 6: MATANZAS (B, L) VIERNES, MARCH 11
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
9:05 AM
Board bus to depart for Matanzas. (approx. 1:30 minutes’’ drive)
Please wear your concert attire and bring your music!
11:00 AM
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INFORMAL CONCERT at the Escuela Vocacional de Arte y Conservatorio Nivel Medio de Música
1:00 PM
Board bus to depart for the Matanzas Seminary
1:15 PM
Group Lunch at the Seminary.
2:00 PM
Visit the beautiful seminary and hear about their large organic garden that caters to their community and medicinal herbs and plants.
STRING ENSEMBLE
3: 00PM
Cuban dance class
MADRIGAL SINGERS
3:00 PM
Cuban Music Workshop with Maestro José Antonio Méndez , conductor of Coro de Cámara de Matanzas
ALL
5:00 PM
Sound check at the Chapel
5:30 PM
Snacks
6:00 PM
CONCERT at the Seminary Chapel
7:30 PM
Board bus to depart for Havana
Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 7: HAVANA (B, L, D) SATURDAY, MARCH 12
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
Board bus to depart for Club Havana
12:30 PM
Group lunch at the club.
1:30 PM
Return to hotel
3:00 PM
Board bus to depart for hall.
Please wear your concert attire and bring your music!
3:30 –– 4:30 PM
Sound check of St. Paul’’s School
4:30 –– 5:30 PM
Sound check of Coro Nacional y Coro Nacional de Niños
5:30 PM
Sound check TUTTI
6:00 PM
CONCERT at the Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís with Coro Nacional and Coro Nacional de niños
8:00 PM
Walk to the restaurant
8:10 PM
Farewell Dinner.
9:30 PM
Board bus to depart for hotel
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 8: HAVANA – HOME (B) SUNDAY, MARCH 13
GROUP DEPARTING ON EARLY CHARTER
7:00 AM
Breakfast at hotel.
7:30 AM
Check out of the hotel. Please pay any incidental charges. (If possible please try and settle your incidentals the night before.) Remember you must pay in CUC's and American credit cards are not accepted
8:00 AM
Please bring your luggage to the bus and depart for the Jose Marti International Airport - Havana.
Please remember to have 25 CUC ready to pay your departure tax at the airport!
8:30 PM
Check in at Marazul desk at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.
11:00 AM
Depart Havana on Marazul flight TA 8303 for Miami International Airport
12:00 PM
Arrive Miami International Airport.
Upon arrival, please collect your baggage and proceed through Immigration and proceed through Immigration and Customs.
Check in at the American Airlines desk at the Miami Airport.
Lunch on your own.
Depart on your next flight.
MAIN GROUP
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out of the hotel. Please pay any incidental charges. (If possible please try and settle your incidentals the night before.) Remember you must pay in CUC's and American credit cards are not accepted!
9:15 AM
Please bring your luggage to the bus and board bus to depart for Arts and Craft Market.
9:20 AM
Bus depart for Arts and Crafts Market
Board bus and depart to Jose Marti International Airport - Havana.
Please remember to have 25 CUC ready to pay your departure tax at the airport!
12:30 PM
Check in at Gulfstream desk at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.
Lunch on your own.
3:20 PM
Depart Havana on Gulfstream charter flight # 5K 253 for Miami International Airport.
4:30 PM
Arrive Miami International Airport.
Upon arrival, please collect your baggage and proceed through Immigration and Customs.
Lunch on your own.
6:30 PM
Check in at the American Airlines desk at the Miami Airport.
9:00 PM
Depart Miami International Airport (MIA) on American Airlines flight # 2192.
12:05 AM
Arrive in Boston Airport.
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