For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Abby Coffey
Executive Director
Arizona Philharmonic
abby@azphil.org
855-321-6724

PRESCOTT, AZ—September 21, 2024—Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) welcomes Prescott resident and internationally-renowned Steinway artist James D’León as host of the second Community Lecture Series Saturday, October 5, entitled Hearing Colors and Feeling Sounds: A Musical Journey. The interactive lecture takes place on the stage at Ruth Street Theater, Saturday, October 5 from 11:00-12:00pm.

“Did you ever stop to notice what senses are being affected when you listen to music? Although it seems like we simply sit, watch, and listen to a musical performance, there is much more going on, both consciously and subconsciously,” commented James D’León, presenter.

“In this class, join Prescott’s international Steinway Artist James D’León as he takes you on a musical journey in which he talks about the basics of synesthesia (the ability of the brain to route sensory information through multiple unrelated senses) and hones your skills through various musical examples performed on the piano. You will not only step into a fascinating world in where sounds will ignite other senses, but you will also be able to apply these skills at your next concert experience,” states Abby Coffey, AZ Phil Executive Director.

Tickets are $12 adults and $5 for children and are available at here or by calling 855-321-6724. The presentation is also open to Yavapai College OLLI members at a discount, visit YC.edu for more information.

About James D’León
Born in South Korea into a musical family, D’León began the piano at the age of four and performed his first recital at the age of five. After receiving early piano training from his mother (his parents retired to Prescott Valley, which is how he came to settle here), he was awarded a full scholarship to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a pre-college student. As the winner of both the San Francisco Symphony and the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra competitions, he performed the Grieg Piano Concerto and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 at the age of 12. He then relocated to Pennsylvania where he honed his technique and performance skills. By the age of 14, he had won every regional competition culminating in his debut performance of the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

About Arizona Philharmonic
Founded in 2018, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is Prescott’s only professional orchestra focused on classical music, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Beginning its seventh season in 2024-25, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.