Mask of the Flower Prince in Cuba
Donation protected
For the last two years, I have been covering the world of classical music through my blog, “Mask of the Flower Prince.” And as long-time readers know, my major focus has been on my hometown band, the Minnesota Orchestra. This spring, the Orchestra announced that it was going to perform in Cuba in May—the first such cultural exchange since President Obama moved toward rebuilding ties between our two countries. These performances will take place on May 15 and 16 as part of the CubaDisco Festival, the country’s biggest music festival.
This is a huge, historic event… and I’ve been asked to cover the tour as a member of the press.
I’m honored and excited about this opportunity! It’s a natural fit for me with my background is in Latin American history—in fact, I covered Cuban history while teaching Latin American history at the University of Kansas. Throw in my love of music... and, well, I think I’ll have quite a bit to say!
The only drawback is that I will need to finance the trip myself.
Have you enjoyed my writing over the last couple of years? Have you laughed at my behind-the-scenes anecdotes? Have you felt that my stories have brought you closer to the music? Are you excited to read my dispatches from Cuba? If so, would you help me pay for this trip of a lifetime?
The total cost of the program, with ancillary expenses and fees, comes to $5,250. I am starting the ball rolling by chipping in $1,000 myself, and asking for your help for the remaining $4,250. I'd appreciate any assistance you could provide.
One final note. As I’m posting this, I have not formally been given my journalist visa from the Cuban government. I don’t foresee a problem, but the departure date is fast approaching and I want to be ready. If there is any change of plans, rest assured that all contributions will be returned.
Thank you for your support... both now and over the last two years!
This is a huge, historic event… and I’ve been asked to cover the tour as a member of the press.
I’m honored and excited about this opportunity! It’s a natural fit for me with my background is in Latin American history—in fact, I covered Cuban history while teaching Latin American history at the University of Kansas. Throw in my love of music... and, well, I think I’ll have quite a bit to say!
The only drawback is that I will need to finance the trip myself.
Have you enjoyed my writing over the last couple of years? Have you laughed at my behind-the-scenes anecdotes? Have you felt that my stories have brought you closer to the music? Are you excited to read my dispatches from Cuba? If so, would you help me pay for this trip of a lifetime?
The total cost of the program, with ancillary expenses and fees, comes to $5,250. I am starting the ball rolling by chipping in $1,000 myself, and asking for your help for the remaining $4,250. I'd appreciate any assistance you could provide.
One final note. As I’m posting this, I have not formally been given my journalist visa from the Cuban government. I don’t foresee a problem, but the departure date is fast approaching and I want to be ready. If there is any change of plans, rest assured that all contributions will be returned.
Thank you for your support... both now and over the last two years!
Organizer
Scott Chamberlain
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
