WCSU Will Host

Concerts By Famed Pianist

DANBURY — Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) will present a concert by the internationally recognized pianist Awadagin Pratt at 8 pm, on Wednesday, April 5. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and non-WestConn students. Admission is free for WestConn students with valid ID.

“Awadagin Pratt puts a different feel or interpretation into his playing, which makes his style unique,” said Stephanie Biello, a WestConn senior and president of the Keyboard Club.

“His concerts are more relaxed. He takes the time to talk to the audience about the piece and his interpretation, whereas most artists play straight through their performances.”

In 1992, at the age of 26, Mr Pratt won the Naumburg Competition, becoming the first African-American classical instrumentalist to win first prize.

He has performed throughout the United States, including such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

He played twice at the White House during the Clinton administration and has been on the Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America and Sesame Street.

For more information about the Keyboard Club performance, call Associate Professor of Music Dr Russell Hirshfield at 837-8356.

For tickets or more information about Mr Pratt’s concert, call 837-8350, or the Office of University Relations at 837-8486.