The New York Philharmonic has had to postpone plans to perform in Cuba this month because the United States government has not allowed its sponsors to travel due to the embargo enforced against the island’s government since 1962. Known for groundbreaking musical diplomacy with visits to countries such as communist North Korea last year, the New York Philharmonic was forced to cancel the concert series scheduled to take place in Havana between October 30 and November 2, explaining that it was forced by the existing restrictions and because it would affect the financial support they receive from project funders and supporters.

When orchestra president Zarin Mehta met with Cuban officials and toured facilities in Havana in July, he said he expected the orchestra to be criticized if went ahead with a visit to the island. However, about 150 patrons and supporters had pledged to pay about $10,000 each to accompany the orchestra on the trip to Cuba. When the orchestra applied for a license for the group to accompany it, while they were not officially denied, U.S. officials said that there was no category that would allow them to go to Cuba under the current travel regulations. While the United States appears to be easing its long isolation of Cuba and the orchestra said its trip had the support of US President Barack Obama’s administration, the State Department, and the Treasury Department, there were problems associated with long-imposed travel restrictions.

 Cuban Institute of Music vice-president Alejandro Guma blamed Washington for the tour’s cancellation but expressed admiration and respect for the New York Philharmonic, insisting that the country’s doors would always be “open.”

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