New Jersey Youth Symphony Honors Veterans with Special Concert Featuring State Premiere

The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) has announced a special concert to honor veterans and armed forces, scheduled for Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton. This pre-election Veterans Day event will showcase the talents of young musicians while paying tribute to those who have served the nation. A highlight of the concert will be the New Jersey premiere of Peter Boyer's 'Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue,' featuring acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Biegel. This performance is part of the Rhapsody National Initiative, a unique project aimed at supporting American orchestras post-pandemic. The initiative involves performances of Boyer's work by at least one orchestra in all 50 states over three years, at no cost to participating orchestras.

Jeffrey Biegel, who commissioned Boyer to compose the piece, stated, 'I created the 50 states Rhapsody National Initiative as the first commissioning project not requiring orchestras to pay toward the composer's fee, and to bring orchestras in all 50 states to the initiative celebrating orchestras and music in America.' The NJYS is one of only three youth orchestras participating in this historic initiative. Helen Cha-Pyo, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of NJYS, emphasized the significance of the event, saying, 'At this Veterans Day concert, we proudly continue our tradition of performing works by American composers to honor those who have served. It is both exciting and historic for our young musicians to present the New Jersey premiere of Peter Boyer's Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue with Jeffrey Biegel.'

The concert program will also feature American favorites, including Leonard Bernstein's Candide Overture and music from West Side Story, as well as Three Spirituals by African American composer Adolphus Hailstork. Patriotic selections such as 'America the Beautiful' and 'Armed Forces Salute' will round out the performance. Additionally, two ensembles from the New Jersey Youth Chorus will join the symphony in presenting a selection of patriotic music celebrating the spirit of freedom. This event underscores the importance of music education and its role in fostering community engagement and honoring national heritage.

As part of Wharton Arts, New Jersey's largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center, the NJYS serves nearly 600 students in grades 3-12 through 15 ensembles. The organization's mission is to offer accessible, high-quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities. The concert not only provides a platform for young musicians to showcase their talents but also serves as a bridge between generations, uniting people through music and paying respect to veterans. It demonstrates how arts education can contribute to civic engagement and cultural appreciation. Veterans are invited to attend the concert free of charge by using the discount code VETERAN. This gesture of appreciation further emphasizes the event's focus on honoring those who have served in the armed forces.

As the concert date approaches, it stands as a reminder of the power of music to inspire, unite, and pay tribute to national heroes. The New Jersey Youth Symphony's performance promises to be a memorable celebration of American music and patriotism, showcasing the talent of the next generation of musicians while honoring the sacrifices of veterans. The event represents a significant moment for both the youth orchestra and the broader community, highlighting how artistic initiatives can serve important social functions beyond entertainment.