Wharton Arts to Honor Jazz Virtuoso Matthew Whitaker with Trailblazer Award at 2026 Gala

Wharton Arts will honor acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and music advocate Matthew Whitaker with the Trailblazer Award at the Arise to the Occasion Gala on April 17, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Morristown. The event celebrates Whitaker's extraordinary musical career and his alignment with Wharton Arts' mission of making performing arts accessible to all students. Whitaker has captivated global audiences with his virtuosic keyboard and organ performances on major platforms including Showtime at the Apollo, The Today Show, Ellen, and 60 Minutes. His versatility extends beyond performance to composition, having scored the Emmy-nominated documentary About Tomorrow, composed for films like Starkeisha, and created works for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company's 2024–2025 season.

Artistic Director Helen H. Cha-Pyo emphasized Whitaker's embodiment of the organization's season theme: As Wharton Arts embraces our season theme, Arise—Artistry, Representation, Inspiration, Self-Expression, and Empathy—as a call to action for our entire community of learners, I can't think of anyone who embodies these values more fully than Matthew Whitaker. His music transcends boundaries, his story inspires countless young musicians, and his heart for others reminds us why we do what we do. Executive Director Gina Caruso highlighted Whitaker's trailblazing impact at just 24 years old: Matthew Whitaker's journey as an artist reminds us that talent, hard work, and passion can overcome any challenge. His artistry and advocacy reflect the essence of Wharton Arts' mission—to make the performing arts a place where every student, from 4-years-old to 90-years-old, can find their voice, reach higher, dream bigger, and share their music with the world.

The gala serves as a signature fundraising event for Wharton Arts, supporting programs that empower students through music and performing arts. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner and performances at 7:30 PM featuring exceptional talent from Wharton Arts students. These performances showcase the next generation of artists nurtured by the organization's four programs: the New Jersey Youth Chorus, New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, and Wharton Performing Arts School. Whitaker's collaborative work with renowned artists including Jon Batiste, Christian McBride, Derrick Hodge, Regina Carter, and Anderson .Paak demonstrates his significant impact on the contemporary music scene.

His performances with symphonies worldwide, including the Aspen Chamber Symphony and National Arts Centre Orchestra in Canada, along with compositions for the 82-piece Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, underscore his international recognition and musical versatility. His fourth album, On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute (2024), received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album in 2025. The event supports Wharton Arts' comprehensive educational programs that serve nearly 2,000 students across New Jersey, maintaining the organization's commitment to providing need-based scholarships and ensuring performing arts education remains accessible to all regardless of financial circumstances. Tickets and sponsorships for the Arise to the Occasion Gala are available at https://WhartonArtsGala.org.