Red Priest is one of the major success stories on the international Early Music scene today. Formed in 1997 and named after the flame-haired priest Antonio Vivaldi, this English ensemble has re-defined the art of baroque music performance, combining the fruits of extensive research with swashbuckling virtuosity, creative re-composition, heart-on-sleeve emotion and compelling stagecraft. The group performs largely from memory, allowing an operatic level of freedom and interaction, and its programmes are drawn from myriad baroque sources.

The group visited Cuba to give two masterclasses to a total of 45 students and teachers from the prestigious Higher Institute for the Arts (ISA), and three performances in three different venues, including two renovated 17th century churches. Each performance had a different programme of early music. The final performance at the Basilica, with a capacity 350 audience, was reminiscent of the Last Night of the Proms, such was the enthusiasm of the largely young audience, who gave the performers a standing ovation and received an encore in return. The second performance was also well attended, with around 300 mostly young musicians in audience. By common consensus, the four musicians made very good guests, being flexible, approachable, unflustered (even when the sound failed them for a minute), and extremely friendly. Violinist Julia Bishop said on leaving Cuba: 'We have all travelled a good deal abroad, but I would say that this visit to Cuba is certainly one of the most enjoyable tours we have ever had.'

The performances and master classes by Red Priest were part of Islas e Ideas (Islands and Ideas), a project to celebrate 100 years of continuous relations between Cuba and the UK. As a result of the masterclasses, ISA has proposed a project to the British Council in order to maintain the links, and have other British musicians contribute with their expertise.

'... It has been quite the most enjoyable and fascinating foreign tour we have experienced, and we've taken home many memories of the unique atmosphere and incredibly warm people.' Piers Adams, Red Priest leader

Find out more about British Council Cuba’s Islas e Ideas: celebrating the lasting relationship between Britain and Cuba and presenting contemporary British culture and diversity.

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