Media Contact:
Abby Coffey
Executive Director
Arizona Philharmonic

abby@azphil.org

855-321-6724

PRESCOTT, AZ, Sept 17, 2024— Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) welcomes Prescott resident and internationally-renowned Steinway artist James D’León and Friends performing Sunday, October 6 at 3:00pm at the Ruth Street Theater on Prescott High School grounds.

Collaborating with three of AZ Phil’s principal string players on violin, viola and cello they delve into the clarity, elegance and beauty of chamber music with Fanny Mendelssohn’s deeply expressive Piano Trio in D minor, Herbert Howells’ hauntingly beautiful Piano Quartet in A minor, and Brahms’ exuberant Piano Trio in B major. “This is James’ fourth time presenting a piano and strings program. The previous concerts remain some of our most praised and enjoyable performances,” commented Henry Flurry, AZ Phil Artistic Director.

 Prior to the Sunday performance, there will be an interactive Community Lecture Series on Saturday, October 5 at Ruth Street Theater, on the stage with the artist from 11-12:00pm, and a pre-concert talk Sunday at 2:00pm. Visit AZPhil.org for details and tickets.

What Does it Take to Be a Steinway Artist?

A Steinway artist is a title conferred upon only the best pianists of their time, who have been recognized for their skill and choose to perform exclusively on Steinway pianos, which are recognized as the best pianos in the world. “With only 2,000 Steinway artists on the planet, Prescott, Arizona is honored to have a talent such as James D’León in the neighborhood,” said Abby Coffey, AZ Phil Executive Director. “Our audiences recognize the passion and precision with which James plays and are always excited to hear him.”

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, beginning its seventh season in 2024-25, and 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. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.