NEW YORK — The New York Philharmonic is headed to Cuba to explore the communist nation after being invited to perform there in the fall.

Orchestra president Zarin Mehta says he's part of a delegation traveling to Havana on Friday. The delegation will examine Cuba's concert halls and hotels.

The United States has restrictions on travel to Cuba. But orchestra officials say the U.S. government has agreed to grant them travel licenses for the tour.

The classical music orchestra could perform in Cuba at the end of October. Incoming music director Alan Gilbert likely would conduct.

The Philharmonic played last year in the totalitarian state of North Korea, a first for any major orchestra.

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