Norm Lewis to Receive Wharton Arts Lifetime Achievement Award, Highlighting Artistic Excellence and Education Advocacy

Wharton Arts has announced that renowned American actor and baritone Norm Lewis will receive its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization's Annual Gala on April 10, 2025. This honor recognizes Lewis's exceptional contributions to the performing arts and his role as an inspiration to aspiring artists. Lewis, an Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee, has made significant marks in both theater and music throughout his career. He recently starred in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning production of 'A Soldier's Play' and appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End Concert of 'Love Never Dies.' His Broadway credits include a critically acclaimed performance as Porgy in 'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess,' for which he received several award nominations. In 2014, Lewis made history as the first Black actor to portray the title role in 'The Phantom of the Opera' on Broadway.

The Wharton Arts Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have made outstanding artistic contributions to the performing arts during their lifetime and serve as beacons of inspiration for Wharton Arts students. Lewis joins an esteemed list of previous honorees, including Jamie Bernstein, John Debney, Paul Shaffer, Angel Blue, and Rufus Reid. In addition to Lewis's recognition, Wharton Arts will present its 2025 Education Award to Tricia Tunstall, a prominent advocate for high-quality music education for all children. Tunstall is known for her books on music education and social change, including 'Playing for Their Lives: The Global El Sistema Movement for Social Change Through Music' and 'Changing Lives: Gustavo Dudamel, El Sistema, and the Transformative Power of Music.' Her work has been instrumental in catalyzing the global movement for social change through music.

The Annual Gala, to be held at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, NJ, will feature student performances and a live auction. This event not only celebrates outstanding artists but also supports Wharton Arts' mission to provide accessible, high-quality performing arts education that fosters personal growth and builds inclusive communities. Wharton Arts, New Jersey's largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center, serves nearly 2,000 students through various programs. These include the New Jersey Youth Chorus, the New Jersey Youth Symphony, the Paterson Music Project, and the Wharton Performing Arts School. The organization's commitment to accessibility is reflected in its need-based scholarship program, ensuring that performing arts education is available to all, regardless of their ability to pay.

The recognition of Norm Lewis and Tricia Tunstall underscores the importance of artistic excellence and music education in society. Their contributions have not only enriched the cultural landscape but have also paved the way for future generations of artists and educators. As Wharton Arts continues to nurture talent and promote inclusivity in the arts, events like the Annual Gala serve as crucial platforms to celebrate achievements and inspire ongoing support for arts education. For more information about Norm Lewis, interested readers can visit his official website. Those wishing to attend the gala and support Wharton Arts can find details at WhartonArtsGala.org.