Pianist speaks as part of Circles of Diversity series
From its mission statement, the YWCA of Westmoreland County “is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”
One way that mission is expressed is through the Circles of Diversity discussion series, which on June 26 presented An Evening With Patricia Prattis Jennings in the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center in Greensburg.
If anyone embodies “Yes We Can,” a slogan used by everyone from florists to politicians to television's Bob the Builder, it must be Jennings.
The Pittsburgh native made her solo piano debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1956 at age 14. Ten years later, she was the symphony's principal keyboardist and, later, the first black woman to have a full contract with a major American symphony.
During her symphony tenure, she traveled the world and performed in many of its most renowned concert halls, yet at the Circles event she said modestly, “At this stage of life, I'm just happy to share my life and experience in the hope that it might be of use to others.”
Sharing included a piano recital and readings from her memoir, “In One Era and Out the Other: Essays on Contemporary Life.”
The program, sponsored by the Y's Racial Justice Committee, opened with a welcome from committee Chairwoman Marcia Pratt. Introducing the special guest, committee member Carlotta Paige noted that Jennings also writes a blog (www.patsponderings.com) that always makes Paige laugh in recognition of “the stuff of life” common to all.
The evening concluded with a book-signing.
Seen: Y Executive Director Kathy Raunikar, Bonnie Lewis, Theresa Rusbosin, Barbara Ferrier, Marilyn Fox Lewis, Marjorie Nelson, Carol Thomassy, Mary Ann Curley, Toni Henderson, Emma DeVitis, Betsey Larese, Mary Ann Laffey, Pat Cummerick, Marilyn McSparrin, George and Michelle Toohey, Robin Anke, SisterLois Sculco, Jerry and Norma Skillings, Carolyn Falcon, Betty Hammer and Jennings' husband, Charles Johnson.
