Internationally acclaimed pianist to perform at Randolph February 11

Pianist Awadagin Pratt, an internationally acclaimed recitalist and concerto soloist, will perform at Randolph College February 11. The concert is free and open to the public, and is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Wimberly Recital Hall, inside Presser Hall.

Pratt, who was recognized as one of the 50 Leaders of Tomorrow in Ebony magazine’s 50th anniversary issue, will perform works by Franck and Beethoven. He was the winner of the prestigious Naumberg Piano Competition in 1992 and an Avery Fisher Career Grant in 1994.

Pratt has played numerous recitals throughout the United States, including performances at the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, and Chicago’s Orchestra Hall. His many orchestral performances include appearances with the New York Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra and the Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Louis, National, Detroit and New Jersey symphonies, among many others. Other appearances include performances on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and Sesame Street.

He has also performed at the White House on multiple occasions.

“Performing at the White House has been a singular kind of honor which I’ve been able to do an unbelievable three times,” Pratt said. “Besides that, Carnegie Hall was tremendous, and some of my first performances abroad in Italy and Japan were also among my most memorable.”

A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Pratt was the first student in the school’s history to receive diplomas in three performance areas (piano, violin, and conducting). He is currently professor of piano at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati. In addition, he serves as artistic director of the Art of the Piano Festival at CCM as well as artistic director of the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati.

One of Pratt’s greatest joys is working with and being a mentor for aspiring musicians.

“I am proud that I have already met people who heard me years ago when they were kids who’ve said that I was an inspiration to them to become musicians,” Pratt said. “It makes me feel old, and good at the same time!”

Watch one of Pratt’s performances at the White House at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rj9G-XiLus.