ArtsWave kicks off its 2016 Community Campaign with a special February 1 concert that brings together world-class pianist Awadagin Pratt and University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono on the same stage at the College-Conservatory of Music.

An ardent supporter of the arts and the ways they fuel creativity and learning, Awadagin Pratt has played all over the world and is co-chairman of the 2016 ArtsWave Community Campaign with his wife and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Jill P. Meyer. President Ono, taking time out from tweeting about the #hottestcollegeinamerica, will accompany Pratt on cello. Dhani Jones will host the concert at Werner Hall at the College-Conservatory of Music of University of Cincinnati, and the student musicians of MYCincinnati Youth Orchestra also will perform with Pratt.

“When you learn to play an instrument as a child, you gain a lifetime of inspiration and creativity,” Pratt said.

Pratt is known as much for his ability to make classical music relevant to all audiences as he is for his passionate, insightful performances. He has played at the White House and on “Sesame Street.” He was the first person ever – in 137 years – to receive a diploma in three performance areas from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, and he was the first African American to win the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition.

“We’re fortunate to have such generous and gifted community leaders willing to share their time and talents with us, in all ways,” ArtsWave CEO & President Alecia Kintner said. “This is a can’t-miss concert, will help jump-start our campaign and is sure to inspire the audience as well as the students getting to perform with an internationally renowned musician.”

Last year, ArtsWave raised $12,250,000, breaking its own fundraising record to remain the largest public arts fund in the country. Led by Meyer and Pratt, the 2016 ArtsWave Campaign will once again allow tens of thousands of people across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky to come together and support arts making an impact in our region. Money raised during the campaign will be reinvested in the community, distributed to more than 100 arts organizations through impact-based grants aimed at creating a more vibrant economy and connected community in Greater Cincinnati. The goal for the 2016 campaign will be announced at the February 1 concert.

For more information about the 2016 ArtsWave Community Campaign and the work ArtsWave does to support the arts in Greater Cincinnati and amplify the ripple, visit www.theartswave.org.

For concert tickets, please visit artswavekickoffconcert.eventbrite.com by January 25.