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BORN
1946
DIED
2023
André Watts Obituary
André Watts was a Hall of Fame, award-winning pianist known for performing with orchestras across the world since the age of 16, including more than 100 shows with the New York Philharmonic.
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(Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
24 Entries
Constance Lundy
February 17, 2025
A Classical pianist icon, who used to pass my house on Wyalusing Ave every morning, on his way to St. Thomas Moore school. Continue to rest in peace, Andre Watts! The music world will never forget you.
Norma King-Chavers
November 20, 2024
My sincere condolences to the family o. The loss of Andre. I met Andre many many years ago as he was practicing his fingering on a keyboard We were on a bus waiting to go into the Hotel (Statler Hilton at that time). This was back I believe around 1966 or 67 in Waahington DC. We were attending a conference for National Young Negro Musicians. I was about 12/13 at the time. He was I believe abiut 17. He was very dedicated even then to his craft. I was amazed at his tenacity and intensity. I never forgot that meeting and have followed his career. I'm 72 now. He is no longer in pain.. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.
Terrance McKnight
September 8, 2024
Too many fond memories to share here. His humanity touched so many and his music making was out of this world.
Judith Neville
July 8, 2024
I realize that it has almost been 1 year since André Watts's death, but Herr is a photo of him speaking with me and my students from the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts back in 2006. He had just performed the Brahms 2nd piano concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony.
This encounter was my 3rd personal encounter with André. The lead-up to my 1st encounter is my favorite personal memory of him. In 1981, I was a piano performance grad student at Miami University (Ohio). I was doing a research project on the 2 Brahms piano concerti, and André was playing Brahms 1 with the Cincinnati Symphony. I wanted to get his thoughts on both pieces, so I wrote him a letter and asked if I could interview him while he was in Cincinnati. I actually included my phone number.
About a week later, I was sitting in my apartment and the phone rang. A man asked to speak with me, and I identified myself. Then he identified himself, "This is André Watts". I really didn't believe it at first--André Watts doesn't just pick up the phone and call graduate students he doesn't know, at least, not in my mind. Apparently, that day he did and set the appointment up himself. I was over the moon!! The interview went well, btw.
There are other stories, but that is my favorite! May he continue to rest in peace. He is very much missed.
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Tere Llerena
February 4, 2024
RIP Andre Watts. Sweet memories of going out for dinner after a magnificent performance in Madrid, Spain, with him and a group of friends.
HELEN ESPOSITO
August 14, 2023
I AM SITTING HERE REMEMBERING,MY FIRST PIANO LESSONS AT PMA.
I COULD HEAR THE HAYDN PIANO CONCERTO COMING FOR THE TECHERS ROOM...IT WAS SUPERB....AND ADULT,I THOUGHT.
THEN ,OUT WALKS THIS LITTLE 10 YEAR OLD BOY...SO FRIENDLY,AND SO CHATTY...
THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF A LIFE TIME FRIENDSHIP,AND A GREAT LOVE
FOR ONE ANOTHER.
I MISS YOU
HELEN ESPOSITO
Friend
July 26, 2023
To Mr. Watts's family, my deep condolences. Mr. Watts was very talented and loved. May the God of comfort give peace to your hearts in this most difficult time.
Mart
July 26, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult time.
Mr. Jr
July 22, 2023
My condolences to the family of Andrew Watts bravo.
GM
July 21, 2023
His incredible genius got me through many a hard times. I am grateful to have witnessed his genius in concert, RIP for job well done. May your ancestors rejoice at your return.
Frank Charles Dodson
July 21, 2023
I am very happy to say that I had the privilege of seeing Andre Watts in concert at `The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion´ in the early nineteen seventies performing a Liszt concerto. For me it was my first introduction to classical music appreciation. My condolences to his family, may he Rest In Peace. Sincerely Frank Charles Dodson.
Beth Hall
July 18, 2023
Sincerest Sympathy and Condolences to the Family and Friends of Andre. How saddened I am to hear of his passing. I don't believe that any living pianist ,professional or amateur, has not in some way been touched by his amazing talent. The world has suffered a great loss. His contributions to music and humanity will never be forgotten. As a pianist, and fan of his , I grieve with you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
John Mardinly
July 17, 2023
I´m still in shock. Andres Watts was a presence in my life from the time that Leonard Bernstein discovered him as a teenager phenom and I watched him on TV while I was being drawn into the world of classical music as a teen until now. I saw him many times with the San Francisco Symphony. What a loss, but then there was so much music that came from him during his life time. Than you André.
RB
July 17, 2023
Such an incredible pianist, his music enthralled and entertained so many for years.. Deepest condolences to the Watts family and friends, truly sorry for your loss. May God be with you all in your time of need.
Helen Esposito
July 16, 2023
ANDRE,SO MANY MEMORIES
I use to visit your home on Waverly street, every Saturday.
You would play for me, and then I'd play for you and you would give me ideas.
We both had our Lessons on saturday mornings, at
PMA.....afterwards,we'd have an ice cream soda.
I was there for all your performances....
Philadelphia---New York...Etc...
So hard to believe you are gone!!!!!
You were Kind,Gentle,Loving,and the Best Pianist
I ever heard.
Missing You
Love Helen
HELEN ESPOSITO
July 16, 2023
Dearest Andre,
I have known you since you were 10 years old, and I was 12.
We became the best of friends, and Loved and adored one another.
Last saw you in 2017,when you performed in Hawai
We were inseparable,in our younger years.
I will miss you, forever.
I remember us both playing in Miss Bawdens Recital.
So much to say....but I'll stop here.
God Bless you, and may you have a 9 foot Steinway
in Heaven.
Helen Esposito
Eddie Beato
July 16, 2023
My sincerest condolences to friends and family! Andre Watts´ legacy, as a great human being, and one of the finest pianists I have ever heard or seen, will continue to inspire new generations of music lovers.
JF
July 16, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
RAR
July 16, 2023
Such a talented and world renowned pianist. For decades so many were able to enjoy his amazing music. Prayers for the Hall family, so very sorry for your loss. May God give strength and comfort to you all as you endure your time of loss.
Frank Wallemann
July 15, 2023
I first met Andre when he was a teenager performing with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. At that time my wife and I invited Andre and Marie to our house. They accepted the invitation and became friends of the family. My ex-wife, Joan Ferrara and out daughter, Ellen, continued that friendship for years. I last saw him when he appeared in Columbia, Missouri. He was always friendly and happy to see us. Not only was he talented but he was a warm, caring person.
Nancy Shear
July 15, 2023
There's a sense of disbelief in addition to profound sadness at the loss of Andre -- a fine musician and lovely person I knew for many years. He will be missed by many.
Elyse Mach
July 15, 2023
My family and I send out heartfelt condolences to Joan and her family. Andre Watts was a world renowned virtuoso pianist, one of the best in his generation who generated excitement with this thrilling music making, but more importantly, he was a beautiful, caring, and a kind human being. We were dearest friends for over 47 years. Heaven is a amore beautiful place now.
Ed Ricci
July 15, 2023
Ed Ricci classmate t St Thomas More in 1961. God bless my friend. Condolences to the family
Teresa Gates
July 14, 2023
Rest in Peace.
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