Jessie Montgomery : NPR

In 2023, pianist Awadagin Pratt released a terrific comeback album, his first in 12 years. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

Best Music Of 2023

The 10 Best Classical Albums of 2023

December 13, 2023 • Discover a broad spectrum of this year's most compelling classical music, from symphonic hell rides and soaring voices to searing string quartets, cathartic choirs and one amazing comeback.

The 10 Best Classical Albums of 2023

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After 12 years, pianist Awadagin Pratt rediscovers his sweet spot

STILLPOINT is the first album in 12 years from pianist Awadagin Pratt. Rob Davidson/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Rob Davidson/Courtesy of the artist

Review

Deceptive Cadence

After 12 years, pianist Awadagin Pratt rediscovers his sweet spot

August 25, 2023 • Absent from the recording studio for more than a decade, the restless musician has commissioned six composers for his new album.

After 12 years, pianist Awadagin Pratt rediscovers his sweet spot

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Jessie Montgomery, composing from a place of self-honor

Nickolai Hammar / NPR

Amplify With Lara Downes

Jessie Montgomery, composing from a place of self-honor

Classical California KUSC

March 1, 2023 • Watch Lara Downes' conversation with the composer-in-residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra about balancing her roots, her craft and the shifting field of classical music.

Our biggest orchestras are finally playing more music by women. What took so long?

Composer Julia Wolfe at the Nashville Symphony Orchestra's world premiere of her piece Her Story on Sept. 15, 2022. Kurt Heinecke/Nashville Symphony hide caption

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Kurt Heinecke/Nashville Symphony

Deceptive Cadence

Our biggest orchestras are finally playing more music by women. What took so long?

October 17, 2022 • As the new concert season gets underway, composers and orchestra administrators say they are feeling a shift in whose music gets heard.

Our biggest orchestras are finally playing more music by women. What took so long?

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Jessie Montgomery's new work Hymn for Everyone receives its world premiere with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on April 28. Jiyang Chen/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Jiyang Chen/Courtesy of the artist

The Composer Interview

Can classical music really be inclusive? Composer Jessie Montgomery thinks so

April 28, 2022 • With orchestras clamoring for her work, the rising artist feels a responsibility and opportunity to help reframe classical music and the institutions that present it.