New Jersey Youth Symphony to Honor Veterans with Special Concert

The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) is set to present a concert honoring veterans and armed forces on November 3, 2024, at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton. The event will feature the New Jersey premiere of Peter Boyer's 'Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue,' performed with acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Biegel.

This performance is part of the Rhapsody National Initiative, a project aimed at supporting American orchestras post-pandemic by arranging performances of Boyer's work in all 50 states over three years. The NJYS is one of only three youth orchestras participating in this initiative, underscoring the significance of their involvement in this national musical endeavor.

The concert's program includes American favorites such as Leonard Bernstein's Candide Overture and music from West Side Story, as well as Three Spirituals by African American composer Adolphus Hailstork. Two ensembles from the New Jersey Youth Chorus will also perform a selection of patriotic music.

Helen Cha-Pyo, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of NJYS, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, 'Projects like this bring generations together, uniting people through the creation of new works that celebrate the present and inspire the future of America.' This sentiment reflects the broader impact of the concert beyond its musical offerings.

The inclusion of Boyer's 'Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue' is particularly noteworthy as it was commissioned to celebrate the centennial of George Gershwin's iconic 'Rhapsody in Blue.' This connection to American musical history adds depth to the concert's theme of honoring veterans and celebrating national heritage.

By offering free admission to veterans, the NJYS demonstrates its commitment to community engagement and recognition of service members. This gesture, combined with the concert's timing just before Election Day, positions the event as both a cultural and civic occasion.

The concert represents a unique opportunity for young musicians to participate in a nationally significant musical project while also serving their local community. It showcases the role of youth orchestras in preserving and advancing American musical traditions, as well as in fostering civic engagement through the arts.

As part of Wharton Arts, New Jersey's largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center, this event also highlights the organization's mission to provide accessible, high-quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities.