11/02/16 Internationally Acclaimed American Pianist, Althea Waites

Internationally acclaimed American pianist Althea Waites has concertized extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia as a brilliant soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative artist. In addition to performances on concert stages around the world, she has also participated in numerous festivals including Aspen, Tanglewood, the Yale Summer Festival, the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and the Idyllwild Arts Festival.


Praised by the Los Angeles Times for “superb technique and profound musicality,” Ms. Waites has a long and distinguished history of recording new music by American composers and has received several honors and commendations for her work. 


She has also been guest soloist for National Public Radio’s Performance Today, KQED in San Francisco, KCET in Los Angeles, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Geneva Conservatory of Music in Switzerland, Wigmore Hall in London, Merkin Hall in New York City, concerts for the World Music Program in Jakarta Indonesia, Phillips Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.


Her recording credits include a CD of music by African-American composers, Black Diamonds, which was released in 1993 to rave reviews, and Along the Western Shore, featuring works by California-based composers.


Ms. Waites received the Bachelor of Music degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, and the Master of Music degree in piano from Yale University School of Music.  


In addition to maintaining her concert schedule, Ms. Waites is currently on the faculty of the Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State University/Long Beach, and is in demand for recitals, residencies, and master classes throughout the United States.