The Minnesota Orchestra will be the first U.S. orchestra to perform in Cuba, following President Obama's announced desire to normalize relations with the Caribbean island nation.

CEO and president Kevin Smith told musicians shortly before a Thursday morning concert that the ensemble would play two concerts at the Cubadisco Festival in May. One of the concerts will feature the Beethoven Choral Fantasy with the Cuban National Choir and Cuban pianist Frank Fernandez.

The orchestra will also engage in community activities on the short trip. Back when it was known as the Minneapolis Symphony, the orchestra traveled to Havana in both 1929 and 1930.

"We are honored to have received this invitation from the Cuban Ministry of Culture," Smith said in a statement. "In the orchestral world, the logistics of scheduling frequently make it challenging to move quickly but our musicians have embraced the possibility of giving these performances with great flexibility."

Musicians agreed to postpone a vacation week in order to fit the festival's schedule. In addition to the Choral Fantasy, the orchestra will perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, the "Eroica," which the Minneapolis Symphony performed in its first trip.

The International Cubadisco Festival is an annual affair, preparing for its 19th year. The theme this year is symphonic and choral music.

Music Director Osmo Vänskä noted that much in the world has changed since the orchestra first performed in Havana 85 years ago.

"What has remained constant is the power of this music to affect and build bonds between audiences and performers," he said in a statement.

The tour is being funded by a gift from Marilyn C. and Glen Nelson. Marilyn Carlson Nelson is a lifetime director on the Minnesota Orchestral Association board.

"We are thrilled that our Orchestra will have the opportunity to make this connection in Cuba and represent our wonderful, inclusive community," Marilyn Nelson said.

Classical Movements, a Virginia-based company, handled discussions with Cuba on behalf of the orchestra. The company has arranged musical tours to the nation for more than 18 years.