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ASU Fine Arts and Lyceum Series to Present Acclaimed PianistThe Albany State University 2012-2013 T. Marshall Jones Fine Arts and Lyceum Performance Series will feature renowned pianist Awadagin Pratt in a special guest recital. The performance will be held Tuesday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Albany Municipal Auditorium, 200 North Jackson St. in Albany. Among his generation of concert artists, Pratt is acclaimed for his musical insight and intense performances in recitals and with symphony orchestras.Born in Pittsburgh, Pratt began studying piano at the age of six; then three years later, began learning how to play the violin. By 16, he studied piano, violin, and conducting at the University of Illinois. The consummate musician became the first student in the Peabody Conservatory of Music’s history to receive diplomas in three performance areas – piano, violin and conducting. For his accomplishment and work in the field of classical music, Pratt received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the John Hopkins University Peabody Institute.He has played recitals throughout the U.S including performances at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles and Chicago's Orchestra Hall. His orchestral performances include appearances with the New York Philharmonic. Internationally, Pratt has toured Japan four times and performed in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Israel and South Africa.Pratt has two new CDs -- a recording of Brahms works for cello and piano with cellist Zuill Bailey and a collection of chamber pieces by Judith Lang Zaimont with the Harlem Quartet.While in Albany, Pratt will be featured in a master class for musicians and young pianists. The master class will be held on Monday, Feb. 11 at noon in the ACAD Auditorium located on the campus.Tickets to Tuesday’s performance at the Municipal Auditorium are $5, $10 and $15. Please contact the Albany State University Department of Fine Arts at (229) 430-4849 for more information.