Wharton Arts

08/31/2026

🎶 Five FREE concerts. Five unique musical experiences.

Presented by the New Jersey Youth Symphony, a program of Wharton Arts, the Free Concert Series at UCPAC brings an exciting lineup to Rahway this fall and winter—from America 250 and beloved American classics to gospel, classical, jazz, and holiday favorites.

📍 UCPAC • Rahway, NJ
📅 October 25–December 13
🎟️ Free admission — tickets required

Take the train. Enjoy the music. Stay for dinner.

Reserve your free tickets at UCPAC.org.

08/26/2026

🎵 Five FREE concerts are coming to Rahway!

Experience an exciting lineup of live music at the New Jersey Youth Symphony's Free Concert Series at UCPAC, featuring:

⭐America 250: Harmony Across Cultures — music, dance, and shared traditions celebrating America’s 250th anniversary

🎶 America 250: Harmony Across Cultures — beloved American musical classics

🎤 Gospel Music Festival — uplifting gospel music celebrating faith, hope, and community

🎄 Two Nutcrackers — Tchaikovsky meets Ellington in a holiday celebration of classical and jazz

✨ Season of Joy! — beloved holiday classics and joyful traditions for all ages

📅 October 25–December 13
📍 Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, NJ
🎟️ FREE admission — tickets required

Take the train to Rahway, enjoy live music, and stay to explore local dining.

See the full lineup and reserve your free tickets at UCPAC.org or https://whartonarts.org/free-concerts-rahway/)

08/11/2026

🎉 Welcome to Wharton Arts, Dan!

We’re excited to welcome Daniel Spielman to the Wharton Arts team as our new Development Associate!

Daniel joins us with a background in arts administration, having previously worked in Development with the New Jersey Symphony. He recently earned his Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from Northwestern University after completing his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University.

A New Jersey native and clarinetist, Daniel is excited to be back home and will support Wharton Arts’ fundraising initiatives with a focus on database management.

Please join us in giving Daniel a warm Wharton Arts welcome! 🎶

07/30/2026

Please join us in welcoming Wharton Arts’ new President & CEO, Carol Chickering Burden! 🎶

In her new role, Carol is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to discover their own path into music and experience the transformative power of the arts.

Learn more about Carol’s vision for Wharton Arts and the future of music education in this new feature from TAPinto Berkeley Heights below.

Carol Chickering Burden, Wharton Arts’ new CEO, says her goal is to expand access to music education for every child.

07/24/2026

🎙️ Tune in!

Hear Wharton Arts President & CEO Carol Chickering Burden on A Tempo with host Rachel Katz on WWFM - The Classical Network as they discuss the transformative power of music education, the exciting future of Wharton Arts, and how we're expanding access to the arts across New Jersey.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation celebrating the impact of music on individuals and communities alike.

🎧 Listen in and let us know what resonates with you!
→ https://www.wwfm.org/

07/09/2026

Big opportunity at Wharton Arts! 🎭

We are seeking a Director of Finance to work closely with our new President and Chief Executive Officer, helping drive financial strategy, promote organizational stability, and prepare Wharton Arts for future growth.

Join an organization serving 2,000 students each year through community music and creative youth development programs.

Learn more and apply today: https://whartonarts.org/about-wharton-arts/employment/

07/04/2026

🎆 Happy 4th of July! Wishing you a safe and joyful Independence Day filled with family, fireworks, and freedom.

06/24/2026

🎶 Exciting news for Wharton Arts!

We are pleased to welcome Carol Chickering Burden as our new President & CEO. A respected arts leader, educator, and former professional soprano, Carol brings decades of experience in arts education, nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and youth development.

As Wharton Arts continues to grow and expand its impact across New Jersey, Carol's vision and leadership will help guide the organization into an exciting new chapter.

Please join us in welcoming Carol to the Wharton Arts community and learn more about her background, accomplishments, and vision for the future in our full announcement.

Full Release: https://www.newjerseystage.com/articles2/2026/06/24/wharton-arts-welcomes-carol-chickering-burden-as-president-and-ceo/

06/22/2026

Wharton Arts announces that Helen H. Cha-Pyo will transition out of her role as Artistic Director at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season, continuing her leadership as Music Director and Conductor of the New Jersey Youth Symphony.

Over the past eight years, Helen has helped shape Wharton Arts into New Jersey's largest nonprofit performing arts education organization, serving nearly 2,000 students annually across 12 counties. Her leadership unified the organization's programs under a shared artistic vision, expanded educational opportunities, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced Wharton Arts' commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and artistic excellence.

We are deeply grateful for Helen's extraordinary leadership and look forward to her continued impact with NJYS.

Read the full story: https://www.newjerseystage.com/articles2/2026/06/18/wharton-arts-announces-leadership-transition-with-helen-h-cha-pyo-stepping-down-as-artistic-director/

06/19/2026

🎶 Honoring Juneteenth 🎶

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and culture.

At Wharton Arts, we believe in the power of the arts to amplify voices, tell stories, and inspire change. Today and every day, we honor the contributions of Black artists, musicians, and changemakers who shape our world and enrich our communities.

All Wharton Arts administrative offices are closed today.