Awadagin Pratt

Years ago, when the symphony played weeknights in the old opera house, we subscribed to a season that included a concert with Awadagin Pratt as soloist.

Awadagin Pratt

These days, classical soloists wear all manner of outfits on stage. But, back then, tux-and-tails were de rigeur. So, when Awadagin Pratt strolled out on stage in tight black pants and an even tighter red silk t-shirt, there was an enormous collective grasp from the audience.

Here was a big, muscular, incredibly handsome black man, with dreadlocks, in tight clothing, ready to play for us!

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Thursday night was the first time we've seen him since then. (But alas, we're all a bit older now and the tight attire had been replaced by the more standard black pants and black overshirt that so many male soloists wear.)

He gave an absolutely velvety performance of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23. The second movement in particular was stunning.

This was our second concert of the season. I couldn't resist snapping a photo of the nearly-empty third tier. It's just strange sitting up there by ourselves. (But zero wait in the third tier restrooms!) In previous years its been 2/3 to totally full, depending on the day and program. This was just before the second half of the program started:

Empty