[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 59 (Thursday, March 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            COMMENDATION OF AWADAGIN PRATT SYMPHONY SPONSORS

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                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 1995
  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the 
efforts of three businesses in my district who have generously 
sponsored the appearance of Mr. Awadagin Pratt, an extraordinary 
pianist, to perform with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra this weekend.
  The sponsors, WMCS AM 1290 Radio, the Milwaukee Community Journal, 
and the Milwaukee Times have worked together to sponsor and promote Mr. 
Pratt's much-anticipated performances. Led by guest conductor Hermann 
Michael, Mr. Pratt will share his gift for the piano in a series of 
concerts to be held this weekend at Uihlein Hall in Milwaukee's 
Performing Arts Center.
  As an African-American and a virtuoso pianist, Awadagin Pratt is 
recognized as one of the most versatile and fastest rising stars in the 
arts community. Mr. Pratt was named one of the 50 Leaders of Tomorrow 
in Ebony magazine's 50th anniversary issue, and he recently performed 
at the White House for President and Mrs. Clinton. Mr. Pratt was also 
selected as winner of a 1994 Avery Fisher Career Grant and the 1992 
Naumburg International Piano Competition.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that WMCS Radio, Milwaukee Community Journal, 
and the Milwaukee Times recognize the cultural value of Mr. Pratt's 
appearance in Milwaukee. I applaud their commitment to the arts, which 
is demonstrated by their efforts to share Mr. Pratt's unique talent 
with our community. Mr. Speaker, I am personally looking forward to 
experiencing Mr. Pratt's performance, which was made possible by the 
benevolence of these businesses.


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