Cuba! A source of historic controversy, the island sits tantalizing close to the United States, just 90 miles south of Key West, Florida. But, for more than 50 years the island has been shrouded in mystery to most Americans who were prohibited from going there. As a result of recent political change, Cuba is now on our horizon.

For the 2017-2018 academic year, the College of Charleston has delved into the complex relationship between the United States and Cuba, and explored the rich history and culture of Cuba through academic courses, art, dance, film, music and theater. This ambitious project, Cuba en el Horizonte, will culminate in a finale concert featuring the College of Charleston Orchestra led by Yuriy Bekker, Otro Sur (the College’s Latin American Ensemble led by Michael O’Brien), the College of Charleston Concert Choir led by Robert Taylor, and dancers led by Kristin Alexander from the department of theatre and dance. Performances will include classic son and salsa repertoire: “Caramelo a kilo” and “Bilongo,” a couple of trova tunes from singer-songwriters Silvio Rodriguez and Luis Barbiera, and two pieces that show Cuba’s influence on popular music styles across Latin America (a Cuban-ized arrangement of Mexican bolero “Sabor a mi” and the Afro-Peruvian “Toro mata,” which later became a warhorse in Celia Cruz’s repertoire).

The event will take place 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Admission is $15 cash or check at the door / FREE for College of Charleston students and employees.

Sponsors include several areas at the College of Charleston: Academic Affairs; School of the Arts; School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs; Department of Music; Department of Theatre and Dance; Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art; Latin American and Caribbean Studies; Office of Institutional Diversity; and Multicultural Student Services and Programs.