Helen Cha-Pyo

Artistic Director

Dynamic, visionary, and passionate about using music to make a difference, Helen H. Cha-Pyo is an award-winning conductor and arts leader, currently in her seventh season as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts—New Jersey’s largest independent performing arts education organization. Under her inspiring leadership, Wharton Arts has soared to new heights, serving nearly 2,000 students across 13 New Jersey counties. Cha-Pyo has spearheaded innovative initiatives including lifelong learning programs, free education concerts for school children, and a significant expansion of jazz programs. She has also been a fierce advocate for underrepresented composers, bringing their voices to the forefront through groundbreaking concert programming and new commissions, supported by prestigious grants from organizations like New Music USA and Chorus America.

Leading the New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS), Cha-Pyo has guided the flagship ensemble, Youth Symphony, on an international tour to Italy, creating unforgettable performance experiences, including standout appearances at Carnegie Hall’s Juneteenth Celebration concerts in 2022 and 2024. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusivity has transformed NJYS into a second home for over 500 talented and dedicated young musicians across New Jersey.  

Previously, Cha-Pyo served as Music Director and Conductor of the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) for 16 years. During her tenure, she led ESYO on three international tours and founded ESYO’s CHIME program, which provides music education for underprivileged youth in Schenectady, NY. In recognition of her passionate commitment to using music as a means to uplift and enrich communities, ESYO established the Helen Cha-Pyo Golden Baton Award and Scholarships.

Cha-Pyo is a sought-after guest conductor and clinician for All-State and Regional Festival Orchestras nationwide. She has also served as a Visiting Associate Professor of Conducting at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music and at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Cha-Pyo’s impact as an arts leader has earned her numerous accolades, including The Dove Leadership Award, the Angelos Artist Award, and the Eastman Centennial Award, all in recognition of her commitment to creating access and equity in music education for young people. She currently serves as a board member for the Youth Orchestra Division of the League of American Orchestras. For more about Helen Cha-Pyo, visit helenchapyo.com and whartonarts.org.