NEWARK, N.J. – The Newark School of the Arts (NSA) today announced it will honor Pulitzer Prize winner and accomplished composer, George Theophilus Walker of Montclair, as its 2011 artistic honoree on April 20.

"Mr. Walker is one of the greatest composers of his generation and is a shining example of what our students can achieve when they have the talent, the focus and the drive for success," said NSA Executive Director Dara Falco.

Falco said the "Shining Star" Award, to be presented at the school's annual cabaret fundraiser at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, is an important part of the evening's program, providing students the opportunity to see and meet leading artists who have excelled in their respective crafts.

Walker's international reputation stems from his work as a composer and pianist. Among his many awards and honors, Walker was the first African American man to receive the Pulitzer Prize in music for his work Lilacs for Voice and Orchestra.

Walker taught at Rutgers University in Newark for 23 years. He said he is quite familiar with the city and knows how difficult it is to promote the arts in Newark and the surrounding communities.

He said he feels a personal connection to Newark, stating "while it is always an honor to be honored, this award rings close to home."

Walker highlighted that the NSA encourages exploration of the arts and nurtures the artistic talents of New Jersey's residents regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status. "I am extremely happy that the Newark School of the Arts exists," he added. "The school enriches the community and provides access to high quality arts training in various forms of visual and performing arts."

Walker said the breadth of NSA's programs and resources make him enthusiastic that new generations of New Jersey residents will develop a strong understanding of the arts and incorporate arts education and appreciation into their lives.

"The ongoing work of this institution" Walker said, "ensures the development of New Jersey's emerging artistic talents not only within Newark, but across the state."

Tomorrow's Stars Tonight will include a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dessert, performances and awards. The evening promises to be an exciting one featuring some of the School's most talented students and several alumni performances.

The 17th annual benefit celebration is generously supported by corporate sponsors including Barclays Capital; Inter-Atlantic Group; MBIA, Inc.; McCarter & English and others. In addition, the entire Board of Trustees has worked tirelessly to make this year's event a success, especially Gala Committee Co-Chairs Kathy Grier and Monique McRipley Ollie who have given special attention to every detail.

Proceeds from NSA's event will provide needed scholarship assistance for individuals who wish to study music, dance, drama or visual arts at the school. Established in 1968, Newark School of the Arts offers advanced sequential training in music, dance, drama and visual arts for people of all ages and abilities regardless of their financial need. A distinguished faculty of local, national and international artists/teachers attracts students from 65 New Jersey municipalities in eleven counties as well as New York City. The school has been very successful at developing talent and preparing students who wish to pursue a career in the arts.

Newark School of the Arts is supported in-part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

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