Washington, May 10 (RHC)—The Havana Lyceum Orchestra, directed by the maestro José Antonio Méndez, returns Thursday night to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to perform as part of the Cuban Arts Festival.

The ensemble received a standing ovation during the opening night of the event at the Eisenhower Theater, which is running from May 8th through June 6th at the prestigious center for performing arts.

Mendez told Prensa Latina news agency that Thursday evening's performance includes a repertoire of Cuban classical music, by composers of the twentieth century like Carlos Fariñas, Leo Brower, and Guido Lopez Gavilan

The Cuban conductor said it was an honor and privilege to represent his country in the festival that is bringing together some 400 Cuban artists, living on the island and abroad, covering the music, dance, theater, film and fine arts scenes.                                                                                                                                                          

Other performers tonight include pianist Adonis González and percussionist Mauricio Herrera, based in the American cities of Atlanta and New York, respectively.   Both will join forces in the Millennium Stage to combine the classic keys and Cuban rhythms, announced the Kennedy Center digital page.

Meanwhile, the Cuban Club will feature the presence of saxophonist and percussionist Yosvany Terry and his Afrocuban Sextet, which will combine post-bebop and ceremonial music with rhythms and chants from the island and West Africa.