Dr. Barbara Wright-Pryor: 'Awadagin became a triple-degree major, earning certificates in piano, violin and conducting.'

[Awadagin Pratt]

On July 7, 2010, AfriClassical posted: “Pianist Awadagin Pratt Plays Bach, Chopin, Liszt and Schumann in Coral Gables July 15.” A comment on the early career of Awadagin Pratt has since been contributed by Dr. Barbara Wright-Pryor, President, Chicago Music Association, Branch No. 1, NANM, Inc., and Classical Music Critic for The Chicago Crusader:

“Awadagin Pratt won first place in the 1985 NANM Piano Scholarship Competition held in Detroit, MI at the age of 18 years old. He was a student at the University of Illinois: Champaign-Urbana where he came to the attention of then-NANM President William Warfield who brought him to Chicago for branch sponsorship. You won't read this in his bio.

“The competition was held on a Sunday night. The very next night, he wowed the audience with his violin performance. It is now common knowledge among musicians that Awadagin became a triple-degree major, earning certificates in piano, violin and conducting.

Musically yours,

Barbara”