New York Philharmonic to play in Cuba

NEW YORK (AP) -- Officials from The New York Philharmonic are headed to Cuba after being invited to perform in the communist nation. The orchestra's president, Zarin Mehta, is among those traveling to Havana on Friday. The delegation will be examining Cuba's concert halls and hotels.

The United States has a ban on travel to Cuba. But orchestra officials say the U.S. government has agreed to grant them travel licenses for the tour. The classical music orchestra could perform in Cuba at the end of October.

The Philharmonic played in the totalitarian state of North Korea last year, a first for any major orchestra. The Philharmonic's incoming music director, Alan Gilbert, is expected to conduct.

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APNP-07-09-09 2106EDT