Renowned Pianist to Perform in Ciminelli Recital Hall October 16

Awadagin Pratt, an award-winning pianist and chair of the Piano Department at the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, is coming to Buffalo State October 15–16.

He will perform on Thursday, October 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Louis P. Ciminelli Recital Hall at Rockwell Hall. The program includes “Variations on a Theme of Handel,” Johannes Brahms; “Chaconne” from The Second Violin Partita, J.S. Bach; and “Sonata in B Minor,” Franz Liszt.

On Wednesday, October 15, at 3:00 p.m., he will conduct a master class with Buffalo State piano students in the recital hall.  

Pratt’s visit is part of the Lois Klein Piano Recital Series. Klein, a 1945 elementary education graduate who passed away in 2011, established the recital series in 2007 with her husband, Edward, as a way to bring accomplished pianists to campus annually for performances and master classes.

Pratt definitely falls within the description of accomplished.

"His stature as an international performing artists borders on legendary, and we are deeply honored to have him coming to Buffalo State," said Emily Boyce, associate professor and chair of music.

Pratt recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Johns Hopkins and has played numerous recitals throughout the United States, including at Lincoln Center, 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. Summer festival engagements include Ravinia, Blossom, Wolf Trap, Caramoor and Aspen, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Mostly Mozart Festival in Tokyo.

Tickets to Pratt’s performance are $10. Students are admitted for free, but a ticket is required. Tickets are on sale at the Rockwell Hall Box office, by phone (716) 878-3005, or online. Free admission tickets are only available in person at the box office with a valid student ID.