World-class pianist Awadagin Pratt is not afraid to talk about the Black experience

When he enrolled at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, pianist Awadagin Pratt became the first student in the school’s history to receive diplomas in three performance areas — piano, violin and conducting. He would go on to win the 1992 Naumburg International Piano Competition and receive an Avery Fisher Career Grant.

Despite his mastery of music by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, as well as all his awards and accolades, he still faces one inescapable truth: He’s a Black man in America.

In an interview with WXXI, Pratt said one afternoon he was late to class at the Peabody Institute. While running to get to class, an officer chased him down. Even while security guards assured the officer that Pratt was a student at the school, the officer demanded identification, and he ended up getting arrested and spent the night in jail.

During COVID lockdowns, he developed a one-hour program, Awadagin Pratt: Black in America, that speaks directly to the challenges he overcame and how they are still happening today.

While he wants to tell these stories so people are more aware of the pervasive nature of negative police interactions for Black people, he’s also working to make classical music a more welcoming space for Black musicians. That’s why he started the Nina Simone Piano Competition in June.

The goal of the competition is to “give young Black American pianists, ages 10 to 35, a chance to shine in front of a distinguished audience of potential mentors, fellow musicians and concert presenters.”

Credits

Host: Vernon Neal

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher

Love the music?

Donate by phone

1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give