Maestro Juan Gaztambide, HK 1962
Juan B. Gaztambide was the conductor of the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra in December of 1961, when the Kroks took their first Caribbean tour over winter break. He invited the group to perform with the Orchestra on a special television show on New Year’s Eve, the Kroks first TV appearance.
The Kroks traveled to the island from New York via Pan American Airways and they performed most days at the famed Dorado Beach Hotel. The group relaxed by the pool and ocean during the day, explored Puerto Rico and sang during dinnertime.
A photo of the group on Dorado Beach was used as the cover of the 1962 album “Warm but Cool.”
The group was also invited to perform at the official residence of Puerto Rican governor Muñoz Marín, La Fortaleza, for a grand reception on January 2nd. Maestro Gaztambide was also leading the orchestra on that occasion.
from the recollections of Jim Paul, Rick Pepin and David Rockefeller