• By Mabel Pais

Wharton Arts, New Jersey’s largest non-profit community performing arts education center, awards the George Marriner Maull Careers in Music Scholarship Award to Karri Li. Karri Li, a flutist in the New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) and a student of faculty member Laura George at the Wharton Performing Arts School (PAS) will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance.

The $1,000 scholarship is dedicated to recognizing exceptional graduating seniors from the New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS), a program of Wharton Arts, who are enrolling in a conservatory or school of music at the university level as they embark on their music career journey. Learn more at WhartonArts.org.

“The New Jersey Youth Symphony has already been a huge influence in my artistic journey over the past few years, so I can’t express how grateful I am to receive this scholarship and continue to be supported as I take this next step in my career,” said Li. “While making music is my passion, sharing it is my life’s true work. Without NJYS’ outreach opportunities, I may not have recognized this fundamental motivation behind my work. They are among my most cherished musical memories, as they allowed me to pay the joy of music forward and use art to improve the world. Never have I met an audience so deeply touched by a performance as that of local retirement communities; nor have I seen one so intellectually, physically, and emotionally engaged as that of Carnegie Hall on Juneteenth. Inspired by our educational concert this season, I began working with flutists at my elementary school with the goal of improving retention within our district’s music program. Influenced by Helen (Cha-Pyo) to explore how our industry can adapt to the modern landscape, I performed a study of orchestra audience development efforts on social media for my junior year AP Research project.”

Li’s flute instructor Laura George said, “Karri Li’s profound love of the flute has inspired her to practice four hours daily to thoroughly prepare for her many concerts, recitals, and master classes. Her unwavering devotion, dedication, and drive to excel are inspiring to my other students. Her lustrous, nuanced tone and inspired interpretations invite the listeners to join her on her musical journey. It has been my great joy and privilege to teach and mentor such a deserving, stellar student as she pursues her studies in her chosen profession of music.”

George Marriner Maull, an Emmy-nominated conductor and advocate for music education, served as the inaugural Music Director and Conductor of the New Jersey Youth Symphony from 1979 to 1997. Additionally, he held the position of Music Director and Conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey from 1987 to 2006 and has been the Artistic Director and Educator of The Discovery Orchestra for the past 18 years.

“Karri is an exceptional young musician and individual, displaying remarkable discipline, intelligence, and passion for the art of flute playing. She exemplifies the spirit of the George Marriner Maull Careers in Music Scholarship Award, and I look forward to seeing how Karri will use music to improve the lives of others along her musical journey,” said Artistic Director Helen H. Cha-Pyo. 

————————————————-

NJPAC OFFERS FREE WEEKLY OUTDOOR CONCERT EXPERIENCES

• By Mabel Pais

Experience an Evening of a Fusion of Cultural Rhythms, featuring special guests at NJPAC’s ‘Horizon Sounds of the City’.

World Renowned Brazilian Percussionist CYRO BAPTISTA leads the CHAMA Ensemble at NJPAC’s Horizon Sounds of the City on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 5=9 pm taking place at Chambers Plaza 1 Center Street in Newark, NJ.

As  part of the ‘Horizon Sounds of the City’ series, renowned percussionist Cyro Baptista from Montclair, N.J. will dazzle audiences in a free outdoor concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. Known for his innovative sounds and captivating rhythms, Baptista’s performance promises to be an unforgettable evening of world music and jazz fusion.

CYRO BAPTISTA

Brazilian percussionist and composer Cyro Baptista has carved a niche for himself in contemporary jazz, experimental, and world music, spanning a wide range of styles. His collaborations with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, John Zorn, Wynton Marsalis, and Brazilian legends Milton Nascimento and Caetano Veloso have cemented his reputation as one of the foremost percussionists globally. In his latest project, CHAMA, released on the Ropeadope label,  Baptista displays his visionary approach to music. Listeners are taken on a vibrant journey through mythical towns filled with engaging tales and colorful characters. Experience the magic of CHAMA life and immerse yourself in a night of rhythmic excitement, cultural diversity, and joyous music.

CHAMA ENSEMBLE

A powerful ensemble of talented musicians leads Baptista’s CHAMA Band, including Zé Luis Oliveira on saxophone and flute, Felipe Hostins on accordion, Tim Keiper on drums, and Jason Fraticelli on bass and cuatro. Through their rhythmic complexity and dynamic performances, they create a dynamic and culturally rich musical experience.

The NJPAC concert will showcase special guests, enhancing unity, cultural exchange, and local artist empowerment. FORRÓ CHAMA features David Vieira and Mauro Refosco, members of Forró in the Dark and & American Utopia; by David Byrne. PAGODE CHAMA with Helder Celso, Kauê Alves, Junior Karegato, and Renatinhu from Newark’s vibrant music scene, adding a unique flair to the performance. The event will also feature a lively dance party featuring Sabrina Evangelista & Gustavo Nunes, Sabina Ciari, and Dora Flor from BLOCO FROM THE BLOCK.

Horizon Sounds of the City

From June 27 to August 8, everyone’s invited to NJPAC’s famous FREE outdoor concert series. The whole neighborhood comes together for a weekly dance party with a festival atmosphere, located in Chambers Plaza on the NJPAC grounds. Grab a bite or a drink from the local vendors … dance along to NJPAC’s main stage headliners … and party the night away.

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)