Default expression map in Cubase not sent to VSL SE?

While using expression maps for VSL SE+ in Cubase 7.0.3 I experience the following problem: the first articulation on the track (the default expression map) is apparently not sent by Cubase when the track is played from beginning. The VI Pro player stays on whatever patch it happens to be at the time (e.g. Stacc).

For example for the “31S Tuba+” matrix I use the “SE+ - Low Winds” expression map provided by VSL. The default map (articulation in slot #1 at the top) is C#5 Sustain which translates to C#6 Sus in VSL which is OK. I see from the “leds” in VSL that it is receiving “something” each time I stop, rewind or FF the Cubase transport but I cannot ascertain what it is. The mini-keyboard key C#6 (or any other) in VI Pro doesn’t move at all. I even tried to change the keyswitch to C2 to be able to hear it to no avail. It doesn’t seem to be a keyswitch at all.

What am I doing wrong? Thanks for any help!
Regards, Tatiana