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FAQ: Matthew Whitaker Receives Wharton Arts Trailblazer Award at 2026 Gala
TL;DR
Wharton Arts honors Matthew Whitaker with the Trailblazer Award, offering attendees networking opportunities with acclaimed artists and supporters of accessible arts education.
The Arise to the Occasion Gala on April 17, 2026 features a cocktail reception at 6 PM followed by dinner and student performances at 7:30 PM.
This Wharton Arts gala supports programs that make performing arts education accessible to all children, fostering inclusive communities through music.
Matthew Whitaker, a 24-year-old jazz virtuoso who has performed worldwide and scored Emmy-nominated films, receives Wharton Arts' Trailblazer Award.
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Wharton Arts is announcing that Matthew Whitaker will receive the Trailblazer Award at their upcoming "Arise to the Occasion Gala" on April 17, 2026, recognizing his musical accomplishments and advocacy for arts education.
Matthew Whitaker is an acclaimed 24-year-old jazz pianist, composer, and music advocate who has performed worldwide, appeared on major television shows, composed for films and dance companies, and collaborates with renowned artists. He is being honored for his trailblazing artistry and commitment to making arts accessible to all children.
The gala is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Morristown, located at 3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner and performances at 7:30 PM featuring talent from Wharton Arts students.
He has performed on major platforms including Showtime at the Apollo, The Today Show, Ellen, and 60 Minutes; scored the Emmy-nominated documentary About Tomorrow; composed for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company; collaborated with artists like Jon Batiste and Christian McBride; and his 2024 album received an NAACP Image Award nomination.
The award recognizes individuals who embody Wharton Arts' values of artistry, representation, inspiration, self-expression, and empathy, while supporting their mission to make performing arts education accessible to students of all ages, from 4 to 90 years old.
Tickets and sponsorships are available at WhartonArtsGala.org, with proceeds supporting Wharton Arts' programs that empower students through music and performing arts education.
Wharton Arts operates four programs: the New Jersey Youth Chorus, New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, and Wharton Performing Arts School, all focused on nurturing the next generation of artists.
Artistic Director Helen H. Cha-Pyo states he embodies their season theme values of artistry, representation, inspiration, self-expression, and empathy, while Executive Director Gina Caruso notes his journey demonstrates how talent, hard work, and passion can overcome challenges and open doors for others.
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