Chamber Orchestra

March 16-21, 2026

An Unforgettable Week in Havana

Travel to Cuba this March 16-21, 2026 to rehearse, perform and record the world premiere of Jorge Amado’s “Fantasia Cubana“ with soloist Desirée Ruhstrat and the Havana Chamber Orchestra, led by Daiana García.

Trip Details

  • For musicians ages 13-16 with a guardian and 17+ solo travelers

    • Rehearse, record and perform a new work with the Havana Chamber Orchestra

    • Visit schools for the performing arts and learn about life for musicians in Cuba

    • Receive 4 hours of service learning by packing/delivering humanitarian supplies

    • Learn outside your comfort zone and get to know the Cuban culture

  • Student/parent pricing at $2750 each includes:

    -Round-trip airfare

    -Cuban tourist visa, required for entry

    -Room/en-suite bathroom in private casa

    -Workshops with US and Cuba teaching artists

    -Visits to schools for the performing arts

    -Cultural activities and excursions

    -Ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off

    -All meals

    -4 hours community service

    -CAYO t-shirt

  • Expect a Zoom call with CAYO leadership in advance of your trip, where you will receive a detailed itinerary and pre-travel information specific to Cuba. You will also receive a student handbook.

  • CAYO works directly with owners of independent houses for rent (casas particulares) in the safe and quiet neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar. These comfortable, well-appointed homes offer daily breakfast, air-conditioned bedrooms, and a staff on site for any traveler needs.

    Need a visual? Take a look!

  • Donation list

Audition and registration

Now accepting audition recordings for violin, viola and cello. Audition requirements:

  • Exposition of a standard concerto

  • Movement from an unaccompanied sonata, partita or suite by Bach

Recordings can be uploaded here by Feb. 15.

A non-refundable, tax-deductible deposit of $500 per student/parent is required by February 20 to reserve a spot. Please email info@cayomusic.org with any questions.

Transformative experiences

“Political or social problems that might exist don’t matter. We as artists should see through all that, and why shouldn’t culture exist to save the world?”

— Lázara Santana, Atlanta, Georgia

“My week in Cuba with CAYO was the most eye-opening and life-changing experience I have ever had.”

-Kevin, Eastman School of Music

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