Concert Was Opportunity for Groundbreaking Cultural Exchange.

Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement today in reaction to news that the New York Philharmonic will have to postpone its planned October concert in Cuba due to American travel restrictions:

"A New York Philharmonic concert in Cuba would have been an unprecedented and monumental event, a true opportunity to foment cultural exchange and person-to-person interaction between Americans and the Cuban people. I am disappointed that this historic trip had to be postponed, particularly when we were able to secure licensing for the musicians and the group's support personnel in time. I appreciate Secretary of State Clinton's overarching support for the performance, and I look forward to working with the State Department to iron out the details for a future trip.

It is clear that U.S. policy regarding travel to Cuba is still far too stringent. The free flow of our people and our ideas is still the greatest and most effective form of diplomacy. Cuban society needs more of our American essence – not less. Our religious missionaries and charities are hamstrung by a policy that labels their generous donations and messages of hope, love, and brotherhood as contraband. Our academic institutions, researchers, and bright minds struggle with restrictions that disallow them from gaining – and more importantly, sharing – knowledge. Not even for the longstanding communist governments of North Korea, Vietnam, and China do we impose similar travel restrictions on Americans.

This concert would have been a great follow-up to the orchestra's successful concert in North Korea last year. I am still optimistic that we can see this trip through, and I am committed to working with the Philharmonic to make sure it happens. Music has a way of bringing people together, and I know this concert would go a long way towards bridging the divide that has kept our two countries apart for far too long."

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