CAYO is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Minneapolis, MN that connects the US and Cuba through music. What we do: Biennial tours bring the visual and aural experience of a full-scale orchestra of young American and Cuban musicians to cities and populations across the US and Cuba. Tours are supported by mentors and faculty from both countries. Tours include a patron contingent open to supporters of CAYO and cultural diplomacy. CAYO empowers citizens of both countries to find common ground through shared experiences. Under the Support for the Cuban people license, American travelers interact directly with Cuban citizens working in the visual and performing arts, hip-hop, fashion design, tobacco and coffee farming, culinary arts, and all manner of private entrepreneurship. CAYO people-to-people exchanges include an intimate look at how our American and Cuban students use music to communicate through sneak-peeks at rehearsals and classes in the lead-up to a final presentation open to all. US-based exchanges are a weeklong experience for a small group of Cuban musicians, often pre-formed ensembles, to spend time in and around American higher education and professional musicians. They are paired with an equal number of American students to prepare and present chamber music concerts. Activities include observing classes, taking lessons, performing alongside professionals, and playing for students in K-12 schools.