Awadagin Pratt returns to the Valley Thursday evening, November 15^th at 7:30. He appears as part of the Mesa Arts Centers Classical Music Inside Out Series.

Now 52 years old, Awadagin burst onto the classical music stage in 1992, half his lifetime ago, having won the Naumburg Piano competition. Two years later he won an Aery Fisher career Prize. These accolades came after becoming the first person to earn three diplomas at the Peabody Conservatory for, not only piano but violin and conducting as well.

He’ll play music that he’s made renowned recordings of: Beethoven’s Op. 110 Sonata, César Franck’s Prélude, Choral and Fugue along with Ballades by Brahms and a piece by Lera Auerbach.

Our Sterling Beeaff sat down with Awadagin Pratt to discuss everything from his unusual name, the life changing experience of his accolades and his recital at the Mesa Arts Center.

For information and tickets got to:

http://mesaartscenter.com/index.php/shows/performing-live/awadagin-pratt

You’ll find information more information about Awadagin at:

http://www.awadagin.com/