Andre Watts, one of the most well-known and loved piano virtuosos in America today, will perform a classic program of Beethoven, Scubert and Debussy at 8 this evening in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Watts, 42, was once a child prodigy and now enjoys international stardom in classical music. Watts is known for his individualistic style and virtuosity, which catapulted him to fame in 1963. At the age of 16, Watts made his debut performance with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic on a nationally televised and highly acclaimed "Young People's Concert."

Last year, PBS broadcast a special concert program to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut. The program starred Watts accompanied by the New York Philharmonic, under the direction of Zubin Mehta.

A popular performer here and abroad, Watts is no stranger to television or bright lights. He has built a career grounded on his years of hard work in concerts and festivals throughout the world, his amazing talent receiving rave reviews wherever he performed. Watts performed the first full-length piano recital ever broadcast on television in 1976, as part of the "Live from Lincoln Center." Watts' performance was the first solo performance in that series.

In 1985, Watts' concert on "Live from Lincoln Center" aired nationally in prime time and is one of nine spectacular performances recently chosen to be commercially released on videocassette. Other performers featured in that series of video cassettes include Mikhail Baryshnikov, Beverly Sills and Leontyne Price.

Last September, Watts was selected by 140 composers, musicians, conductors, teachers of music and record company executives to receive the Avery Fisher Prize, a tax-free award of $25,000.

Marylene Dosse, piano instructor at Penn State's school of music, said of Watts,"I have heard him play, of course, many times, and the Debussy pieces he will play tomorrow. It is very unusual for an American performer to play French music so well. . .It is one of the definitive versions of the Debussy piece. He is one of the great pianists, and I adore him and the way he plays."

Tickets for the concert are available at the Eisenhower Auditorium Ticket Center, and at the Playhouse box office. Prices are $16, $14, and $12. Student Tickets are $12, $10 and $8. Call 863-0255 or 865-1884.