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/.
