New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



Galaxies of Joy: The Planets in Concert presented by Wharton Arts’ New Jersey Youth Symphony

Saturday, December 13, 2025 @ 7:00pm



Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065

Take a musical journey through the cosmos this holiday season with Holst’s “The Planets,” performed by Wharton Arts’ New Jersey Youth Symphony in “Galaxies of Joy: ‘The Planets’ in Concert.”

Accompanied by stunning NASA imagery, this family-friendly concert blends the wonder of space with the spirit of the season for an unforgettable celebration of music and stars.

This performance is presented by Wharton Arts’ New Jersey Youth Symphony in partnership with UCPAC.

About New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS)

NJYS’ family of 15 orchestras serves 3rd to 12th-grade students, many of whom remain a part of the organization for as long as 10 years. Students flourish in their programs as they explore their potential, share the love of music with peers, and express themselves freely in a supportive and inclusive environment. NJYS has received numerous prestigious awards for its adventurous programming from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). To learn more, visit https://whartonarts.org/programs/new-jersey-youth-symphony/.

About Helen H. Cha-Pyo

Dynamic, visionary, and passionate about using music to make a difference, Helen H. Cha-Pyo is an award-winning conductor and arts leader, currently in her seventh season as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts—New Jersey’s largest independent performing arts education organization. Under her inspiring leadership, Wharton Arts has soared to new heights, serving nearly 2,000 students across 13 New Jersey counties. Cha-Pyo has spearheaded innovative initiatives including lifelong learning programs, free education concerts for school children, and a significant expansion of jazz programs. She has also been a fierce advocate for underrepresented composers, bringing their voices to the forefront through groundbreaking concert programming and new commissions, supported by prestigious grants from organizations like New Music USA and Chorus America.

Leading the New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS), Cha-Pyo has guided the flagship ensemble, Youth Symphony, on an international tour to Italy, creating unforgettable performance experiences, including standout appearances at Carnegie Hall’s Juneteenth Celebration concerts in 2022 and 2024. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusivity has transformed NJYS into a second home for over 500 talented and dedicated young musicians across New Jersey. To learn more, visit https://www.helenchapyo.com/

About Wharton Arts

Wharton Arts provides award-winning arts education for students of all ages and backgrounds because they believe in the power of music and its impact on individuals and their communities. Wharton Arts is comprised of four core programs: New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, Performing Arts School, and New Jersey Youth Chorus. To learn more, visit https://whartonarts.org/.




For information on how your event can be listed, click here



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info

FEATURED EVENTS

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


George

George Thorogood and The Destroyers: “The Baddest Show on Earth Tour”

Tuesday, September 09, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

Pat

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo - My Grandma and Grandpa Rock Book Release

Tuesday, September 09, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

Howard

Howard Jones with special guest Haircut One Hundred featuring Richard Blade

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 @ 7:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

Black

Black Oak Ensemble

Thursday, September 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

An

An Intimate Evening with Celtic Thunder

Thursday, September 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

More events

Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages




 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

MPAC

MPAC presents George Thorogood & The Destroyers

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents George Thorogood & The Destroyers on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7:30pm. The band has been a staple on rock radio for 50 years. Canyon Lights will open the night. Limited tickets remain.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents EagleMania

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Eaglemania - The World's Greatest Eagles Tribute Band on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 8:00pm. A limited number of tickets remain.



Count

Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Steve Hackett

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Steve Hackett on his Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo North American Tour. The concert takes place Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 8:00pm.



Studio

Studio Players presents A Cabaret of Firsts

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players presents A Cabaret of Firsts September 19-20, 2025 with performances at 8:00pm each night. Step into the spotlight and hear the songs that inspired their performers firsts!



Roy's

Roy's Hall presents singer-songwriter Crystal Bowersox

(BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- Roy's Hall presents singer-songwriter Crystal Bowersox on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 8:00pm. Known for her soul-stirring music that blossomed from chaos into peace, Crystal's performance is more than a concert—it’s a voyage through the heartstrings of life.




 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info