Sergio A. Mims: Cincinnati.com: Awadagin Pratt, who was dismissed by...Mark Ernster on July 8, will continue in the role of artistic director; Ernster resigned...July 20

www.awadagin.com

Cincinnati.com

Janelle Gelfand

Cincinnati Enquirer

July 29, 2015

Leadership change reverses dismissal at World Piano Competition

In a stunning turnaround, the Cincinnati World Piano Competition has reversed the reported dismissal of its artistic director, saying that the action was not authorized or recognized by its board of directors.

Awadagin Pratt, who was dismissed by executive director and CEO Mark Ernster on July 8, will continue in the role of artistic director. The competition also announced on Wednesday that Ernster resigned from his position on July 20.

Board chair Jack Rouse, who had resigned on July 8, returned as chairman on July 26.

All are unpaid, volunteer positions.

Pratt, who is also a piano professor and artist-in-residence at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), said on Wednesday that he planned to “continue moving the competition forward.”

“I’m happy to continue working with the organization and the CSO and CCM,” he said.“We’ve been on a good track for the past three years, and I’m excited to continue that work, and bring the Young Art Division into the new fold.”