Awadagin Pratt Performs Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in Newport News Oct. 31

[Beethoven Piano Sonatas; Awadagin Pratt, piano; EMI 55290 (1996)

The African American pianist Awadagin Pratt has been Associate Professor of Piano and Artist-in-Residence at the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati since 2004. His website gives an overview of his life in music: “Born in Pittsburgh, Awadagin Pratt began studying piano at the age of six. Three years later, having moved to Normal, Illinois with his family, he also began studying violin. At the age of 16, he entered the University of Illinois where he studied piano, violin, and conducting. He subsequently enrolled at the Peabody Conservatory of Music where he became the first student in the school's history to receive diplomas in three performance areas - piano, violin and conducting. In 1992 Mr. Pratt won the Naumburg International Piano Competition and two years later was awarded a 1994 Avery Fisher Career Grant. He has played numerous recitals throughout the U.S. including performances in New York at Lincoln Center, Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center, Los Angeles at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Chicago at Orchestra Hall.”

Awadagin Pratt has recorded A Long Way From Normal, EMI (1994); Beethoven Piano Sonatas, EMI (1996); Live From South Africa, EMI (1997); Transformations, EMI (1999); The Caveman's Valentine, CD & DVD, Decca (2001); and Play Bach, St. Lawrence String Quartet; Angel (2002). As an Associate Professor, pianist, artist-in-residence and conductor, Awadagin Pratt maintains a rigorous schedule of performances. At 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2008 he will perform the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in Newport News, Virginia with the Virginia Symphony, led by Larry Rachloff, conductor. Pratt will perform the same program with the Virginia Symphony in Norfolk Nov. 1 at 8:00 p.m., Virginia Beach Nov. 2 at 2:30 p.m., and Newport News Nov. 6 at 8:00 p.m.