In Tuesday’s (7/14) Buffalo News (N.Y.), Mary Kunz Goldman writes that Maximiano Valdes, music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra from 1989 to 1998, will travel to Cuba in January 2016 for a “major cultural exchange” during which he will lead the National Orchestra of Cuba. “ ‘For many years I have hoped for an opportunity to visit the island of Cuba,’ … Valdes said…. ‘It will be an honor for me … to share my musical experience and knowledge with young musicians.’ … Valdes’ visit is under the umbrella of Cuba Rhythm and Views, a cultural exchange program founded by American music producers Woody Wilson and Neil Birnbaum. Birnbaum toured Cuba in 2012 and 2013 as executive director of Northwest Sinfonietta, a chamber orchestra in Seattle…. Valdes will be conducting Cuba’s Orquesta Nacional on Jan. 31, 2016 in a concert featuring pianist Aldo López-Gavilán in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Also on the program is music by Ginastera and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2. Valdes will also conduct a master class and work with students at several schools including Havana’s national conservatory.” Valdes is currently director of the Puerto Rico Symphony and artistic director of Puerto Rico’s Casals Festival.
Posted July 14, 2015
