BIO
Awadagin Pratt
Among his generation of concert artists, pianist Awadagin Pratt is acclaimed for his musical insight and intensely involving performances in recital and with symphony orchestras.
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 recognition of this achievement and for his work in the field of classical music, Mr. Pratt received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Johns Hopkins as well as an honorary doctorate from Illinois Wesleyan University after delivering the commencement address in 2012.
AWADAGIN PRATT
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Art of the Piano
Art of the Piano is a festival I created to raise the level of artistry for young pianists. It’s a platform for them to work with the world’s leading artists and teachers, to perfect recital and competition repertoire, and to have a quiet, beautiful place to practice + learn. Exceptional musicians – those just beginning their careers, and those who are luminaries – convene from all over the world to learn, play and teach each summer here in Cincinnati.
Launched in 2011, the festival is inspired by the generous masterclasses of Franz Liszt. In this format, all the lessons are masterclasses A general openness is fostered in an exceptionally supportive environment.
For our young artists, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime. For the rest of us, it’s a chance to get a front-row seat to high-caliber learning + teaching, and to hear some of today’s most electrifying and noted pianists in a gorgeous hall, on amazing instruments.
DISCOGRAPHY
Zaimont: Eternal Evolution
ETERNAL EVOLUTION features four pieces from composer Judith Lang Zaimont performed by the renowned Harlem Quartet and pianist Awadagin Pratt. Known for its distinctive style-strongly expressive, emotional and dramatic-Zaimont’s music has drawn performers from around the world several of her works have achieved repertoire status. The chamber music on this release counts on an intimate artistic connection between the performers in order to properly express the many changes in tempo, meter, and attitude in each movement.
