New Jersey Youth Symphony to Tour Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
The NJYS ensemble will perform under conductor Helen H. Cha-Pyo, with stops at the Sibelius Academy and Vilna Gaon Tolerance Center.
The New Jersey Youth Symphony, a program of Wharton Arts, will embark on its 2026 international concert tour from June 27 through July 3, with performances and educational exchanges in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Under the direction of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Helen H. Cha-Pyo, NJYS will perform in concert halls throughout the Baltic region while participating in educational exchanges with the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. The orchestra will present four public concerts and three community performances, including appearances at the Vilna Gaon Tolerance Center and Santariškės Hospital in Vilnius.
"As the New Jersey Youth Symphony embarks on this tour, we travel not only as musicians, but as cultural ambassadors," said Cha-Pyo. "One of the greatest gifts of youth orchestra participation is the opportunity to experience the world through music, build bridges across cultures, foster understanding, and celebrate our shared humanity."
The orchestra's tour repertoire reflects both the musical traditions of its host countries and the American orchestral canon. The program includes Estonian composer Veljo Tormis' Overture No. 2, George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue featuring 15-year-old pianist Taige Wang, and Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 1, "Nordic." Performances will conclude with John Philip Sousa's The Stars and Stripes Forever as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding.
Founded in 1979, the New Jersey Youth Symphony serves young musicians through a comprehensive orchestral training program focused on artistic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. The international tour continues the organization's longstanding commitment to providing performance, educational, and cultural opportunities for student musicians.
Tour Schedule
June 27, 2026
Helsinki Music Centre Concert Hall — Helsinki, Finland
June 29, 2026
Community Concert at Viimsi Artium — Viimsi, Estonia
June 29, 2026
Estonia Academy of Music and Theatre Concert Hall — Tallinn, Estonia
June 30, 2026
St. Peter's Church — Riga, Latvia
July 2, 2026
Community Concert — Vilna Gaon Tolerance Center — Vilnius, Lithuania
July 3, 2026
Community Concert — Santariškės Hospital — Vilnius, Lithuania
July 3, 2026
Vilnius Congress Concert Hall — Vilnius, Lithuania
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