Chamber Orchestra

March 16-21, 2026

Chamber Orchestra in Havana

  • A CAYO-Havana Chamber Orchestra project

  • Premiere and record a new work by Jorge Amado with soloist Desirée Ruhstrat and conductor Daiana García

  • For select students of violin, viola and cello

Desirée Ruhstrat soloist

Daiana García Music Director

Havana Chamber Orchestra

Trip Details

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

    • Rehearse, perform and record a world premiere of a new work by composer Jorge Amado 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 $2500 each includes:

    -Round-trip airfare

    -Cuban tourist visa, required for entry

    -Room/en-suite bathroom in private casa

    -Classes and workshops with US and Cuba teaching artists

    -Visits to schools for the performing arts

    -Cultural activities and excursions

    -Private lesson with teaching artist

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

    -All meals

    -Opening reception and supply distribution party

    -6 hours community service

    -Final presentation and party

    -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 coming

Audition and registration

Now accepting audition recordings for violin, viola and cello. Limited number of spots available.

Audition requirements:

  • Exposition of a standard concerto

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

Recordings can be uploaded here by Friday, January 16. Selected musicians will be notified by Friday, January 23.

A non-refundable, tax-deductible deposit of $500 per traveler is required by Feb 1 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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