Awadagin Pratt in Concert

The internationally known, pianist, conductor, educator and curator Awadagin Pratt will perform in Western North Carolina, at the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC), on Saturday Evening October 3rd. The gala evening will benefit the newly launched Nina Simone and Samuel Waymon Music Scholarship Fund.

Mr. Pratt served as professor and artist in residence at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music for nineteen years. He is currently Professor of Piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and is the driving force behind the Nina Simone Piano Competition for African-American Pianists.

Honoring the dual legacies of the late singer and pianist Nina Simone (born Eunice Waymon) and her brother, pianist, actor, award winning composer and lecturer Dr. Samuel Waymon, the Nina Simone and Samuel Waymon Music Scholarship Fund has been created to support young musicians from throughout the Southeastern United States. Miss Simone (1933 - 2003) and Dr. Waymon (1944 - ) were both born in Tryon, NC and each received their initial musical training under the watchful eyes of Muriel Mazzanovich.

Catered by The Hare and Hound, a post concert “meet and greet” will be held in the lobby of the Tryon Fine Arts Center immediately following Mr. Pratt’s October 3rd performance.