Meet James D’León and Friends
On Sunday, October 6, 3 PM, Steinway Artist James D’León, violinist Luke Hill, violist Mason Haskett, and cellist Ruthie Wilde unite in this annual audience favorite for our annual James D’León and Friends chamber concert that spans the romantic fervor and lyrical depth of the 19th and 20th centuries. We asked our four musicians to share a little about themselves.
James D’León, piano
Where did you grow up?
James D’León, piano: I was born in South Korea, but I grew up in Philadelphia.
Luke Hill, violin: Golden, CO
Mason Haskett, viola: I grew up in Chandler, Arizona
Ruthie Wilde, cello: Phoenix, AZ
What three words would you use to describe the experience of playing in a chamber concert like this one?
JDL: Exhilarating, Motivating, Fun
LH: Exciting, Moving, Fun.
MH: Comforting, Inspiring, Invigorating.
RW: Adventurous, Energizing, Enriching.
Luke Hill, violin
Mason Haskett, viola
What is something that our patrons might be surprised to learn about you?
JDL: I have run the Boston Marathon.
LH: I played fullback in high school, and I have a second degree black belt in Taekwondo.
MH: I often get very nervous and shaky before performing, but as soon as the first notes sound the nerves are gone and the music totally takes over.
RW: I also work in curriculum development for a religious/spiritual education institute.
Were you always focused on becoming a musician? If it hadn’t worked out, what do you think you’d be doing now?
JDL: Yes, but if that hadn’t worked out, I would have become an archaeologist.
LH: I started playing violin around age 4. By high school I started considering music as a profession, and by late sophomore year I had basically committed to it. If I hadn’t stuck with music, I imagine I would have gone into engineering or architecture.
MH: I’ve always spent most of my time playing and practicing since I started in 5th grade—it’s what interested me most. It’s hard to imagine doing anything else, but if music hadn’t worked out, I think I’d pursue something mentally challenging, like computer science.
RW: I knew I was a musician since I was a kid, and that I would be my entire life. As far as choosing a vocation, I have many other interests besides performing, such as writing, teaching, curriculum development, and administration—all of which I have actually been able to do to some degree while still keeping music at the center of my professional life.
Ruthie Wilde, cello
The Quartet: James D’León, piano, Luke Hill, violin, Mason Haskett, viola, Ruthie Wilde, cello
What would you say to someone who’s considering coming to this concert?
JDL: You will hear the musicians maintain precision with unspoken communication through body gestures, eye contact, and smiles.
LH: The first half features beautiful works by lesser-known composers you don’t normally hear elsewhere. And, in my humble opinion, Brahms is one of the greatest chamber music composers, and the Piano Trio No. 1 we will be playing on the second half is a great example of that.
MH: I hope you come to enjoy the music. Chamber music was originally meant for small rooms, so sitting up close lets you hear special details and sounds that make it more interesting. Musicians love a full house, so invite your family and friends—having a great audience adds to the energy and excitement of the concert.
RW: Do it! Beauty is edifying and will make your life better.
