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

Wharton Arts announced that acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and music advocate Matthew Whitaker will be honored with the Trailblazer Award at the upcoming Arise to the Occasion Gala on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Morristown. The event will feature exceptional talent from Wharton Arts students, showcasing 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.

Matthew Whitaker has captivated audiences worldwide with his virtuosic keyboard and organ performances, appearing on major platforms including Showtime at the Apollo, The Today Show, Ellen, and 60 Minutes. A versatile artist, he has scored the Emmy-nominated documentary About Tomorrow, composed music for films such as Starkeisha, and created works for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company's 2024–2025 season. Beyond his artistry, Matthew is a passionate advocate for music education and accessibility, embodying the mission of Wharton Performing Arts to make the arts accessible to every child.

A true musical trailblazer, Matthew has collaborated with renowned artists including Jon Batiste, Christian McBride, Derrick Hodge, Regina Carter, and Anderson .Paak. He has performed with symphonies worldwide, including the Aspen Chamber Symphony and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Canada, and has composed for the 82-piece Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra. His fourth album, On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute (2024), received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album in 2025, honoring the Hammond B-3 pioneers who shaped his sound.

Artistic Director Helen H. Cha-Pyo stated, 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. Having had the joy and privilege of making music alongside him, I've experienced firsthand his boundless artistry, humility, and joy. 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 added, Matthew Whitaker's journey as an artist reminds us that talent, hard work, and passion can overcome any challenge. At just 24-years-old, he has already accomplished so much—not only as a brilliant jazz musician, but as a trailblazer who opens doors for others. 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 Arise to the Occasion Gala is a signature fundraising event for Wharton Arts, supporting programs that empower students through music and performing arts. Wharton Arts is New Jersey's largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center serving nearly 2,000 students through a range of classes and ensembles. With the belief in the positive and unifying influence of music and that performing arts education should be accessible to all people regardless of their ability to pay, Wharton Arts offers need-based scholarships. Tickets and sponsorships are available at https://WhartonArtsGala.org.