André Watts, one of the first Black superstars in classical music, died on Wednesday at his home in Bloomington, Ind. He was 77 and died of prostrate cancer, according to his wife.
Watts had an electric stage presence, often moving to the music with his head and feet, drawing criticism from the more conservative critics. But his technical prowess overcame those quibbles and launched him into the upper echelons of concert halls.
In 1963, he won an audition to appear with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic as part of the nationally televised series of Young People’s Concerts. He was 16-years-old, but his performance that day was hailed, and he soon received a bigger boost.
Bernstein invited him to make his formal Philharmonic debut, substituting for pianist Glenn Gould. That went over well, and his career was assured.
His mother was a dominant influence in his success. She worked as...
Watts had an electric stage presence, often moving to the music with his head and feet, drawing criticism from the more conservative critics. But his technical prowess overcame those quibbles and launched him into the upper echelons of concert halls.
In 1963, he won an audition to appear with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic as part of the nationally televised series of Young People’s Concerts. He was 16-years-old, but his performance that day was hailed, and he soon received a bigger boost.
Bernstein invited him to make his formal Philharmonic debut, substituting for pianist Glenn Gould. That went over well, and his career was assured.
His mother was a dominant influence in his success. She worked as...
- 7/15/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood icon Al Pacino and country singer Mel Tillis have been honoured by U.S. President Barack Obama for their contributions to American culture.
The stars were among the 17 honorees feted at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Monday - Oscar winner Pacino and Tillis joined sculptor Martin Puryear and pianist Andre Watts as the recipients of the 2011 National Medal of Arts, while award-winning poet John Ashbery and pianist/author Charles Rosen were among those presented with the National Humanities Medal.
Obama told the guests of honour, "We are told we are divided as a people, then suddenly the arts have the power to bring us together. You... bring new possibilities to all of us. That's a special trait."...
The stars were among the 17 honorees feted at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Monday - Oscar winner Pacino and Tillis joined sculptor Martin Puryear and pianist Andre Watts as the recipients of the 2011 National Medal of Arts, while award-winning poet John Ashbery and pianist/author Charles Rosen were among those presented with the National Humanities Medal.
Obama told the guests of honour, "We are told we are divided as a people, then suddenly the arts have the power to bring us together. You... bring new possibilities to all of us. That's a special trait."...
- 2/13/2012
- WENN
Washington — President Barack Obama on Monday honored several artists, writers and organizations for their contributions to the nation, and pledged to make the arts and humanities a priority for as long as he is in the White House.
Obama bestowed eight National Medal of Arts and nine National Humanities Medals during a ceremony in the White House East Room. Among this year's recipients were actor Al Pacino, poet Rita Dove and the United Service Organization, which holds performances for American service members stationed around the world.
Before awarding the medals, Obama said the arts have the power to bring together people of different backgrounds and beliefs. And he urged the honorees to help mentor a new generation of artists and scholars, saying their role in the nation's future would be equally as important as the next generation of engineers and scientists.
"The arts and humanities do not just reflect America,...
Obama bestowed eight National Medal of Arts and nine National Humanities Medals during a ceremony in the White House East Room. Among this year's recipients were actor Al Pacino, poet Rita Dove and the United Service Organization, which holds performances for American service members stationed around the world.
Before awarding the medals, Obama said the arts have the power to bring together people of different backgrounds and beliefs. And he urged the honorees to help mentor a new generation of artists and scholars, saying their role in the nation's future would be equally as important as the next generation of engineers and scientists.
"The arts and humanities do not just reflect America,...
- 2/13/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
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