PRESCOTT, AZ — February 06, 2024—Once again, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is delighted to present Prescott resident and internationally-renowned Steinway artist James D’León in a Piano Quartet, collaborating with three of AZ Phil’s principal string players. D’León and trio perform at the Ruth Street Theater, Sunday, February 18 at 3:00pm. They also perform at ASU Kerr in Scottsdale, February 17 at 7:30pm. “This is James’ third time presenting a piano and strings program: the previous two concerts remain some of our most praised performances,” commented Henry Flurry, AZ Phil Artistic Director. “This year we are presenting a piano quartet, which, in its most general definition, is an ensemble of a pianist with three instrumentalists. For this concert we have piano plus our Principal String trio consisting of Luke Hill on violin, Kimberly Hankins on viola, and Ruthie Wilde on cello,” Flurry added.

As usual, James has crafted a beautiful program of great works chosen to take the audience on a musical journey. This curated concert includes Gabriel Faure’s penultimate work, the Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 120, Arvo Pärt’s deeply contemplative Spiegel im Spiegel for cello and piano, Rebecca Clark’s expressive and innovative Piano Trio, and concludes with Robert Schumann’s rollicking and romantic Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 47.

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

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is in its sixth season in 2023-2024 as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, 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 performing at Prescott High School’s Ruth Street Theater, as well as Higley Center for the Performing Arts in Gilbert and ASU Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org and on Facebook.