Spotlight on new NPOs: Chineke!

The Chineke! Foundation consists of two integral components: the Chineke! Orchestra and the Chineke! Junior Orchestra. The name Chineke! is derived from the Igbo language of Nigeria and means ‘God creates’ or ‘God of Creation’. This reflects the orchestra's mission to provide opportunities and support for Black and ethnically diverse musicians, creating a space where their talents can flourish. 

I founded Chineke! with the deep-rooted motivation to break down barriers and create pathways for aspiring musicians of colour. My own experiences as a musician fuelled my desire to establish an organisation that would offer platforms and opportunities for talented people who might otherwise be overlooked in the classical music industry.

While some progress has been made in increasing diversity and representation in some artforms, classical music has lagged behind. Year after year, the same people from similar backgrounds and cultures become professional musicians, meaning the vibrant diversity of the UK is not reflected either on the stage or in the audiences of our concert halls and opera houses. 

This is what I wanted to change with the Chineke! Foundation: to show people of all colours, ethnicities and creeds that classical music belongs to them as much as anyone else.

Chineke! Orchestra has achieved remarkable success in a relatively short period, addressing the need for wider representation and opportunities for musicians in classical music. Since its inception, it has garnered international recognition for its exceptional performances and ground-breaking initiatives. 

How it all started

But back to the beginning. I remember finishing playing in a concert and thinking: “This is the 21st century, it should not be a novelty that more than one Black person is onstage playing Beethoven!”

There’s a powerful image I often think of from the 1884-85 Berlin Conference, where European powers sat around a table and divided up Africa among themselves. The image screamed to me: “If you're not at the table, you end up on the menu.” That is why I wanted a seat at the table.

If you're not at the table, you end up on the menu.

Creating the Chineke! Orchestra in 2015 was the beginning of finding my seat. Classical music ensembles were failing to reflect not only the diversity of the population but even the percentage of graduates of colour from conservatoires. My goal was to create a space where musicians of colour could walk on stage and know they belonged.

With this determination, the idea for Chineke! was born. I envisioned a fully professional orchestra comprising a majority of Black and ethnically diverse musicians. This orchestra would stand on its own merits, showcasing artistic excellence that could stand side-by-side with any other orchestra in the world. It would place Black and ethnically diverse musicians in the public eye, shattering stereotypes and celebrating their immense talent.

Even eight years later, the Chineke! Orchestra and Junior Orchestra remain the only orchestras in the UK that reflect the diverse makeup of the country. In this short time, we have made a positive contribution to classical music that has opened doors globally. We have enhanced the industry, amplifying and adding to its offerings. We've created more jobs, expanded possibilities, and unearthed incredible music that has been ignored throughout history. 

Chineke! Junior Orchestra

But Chineke! did not stop at the professional orchestra. During the time I was creating it, I spoke to many people. And much to the surprise of the naysayers who told me Black musicians were not interested in, or good at, classical music, I discovered the more I looked, the more I found a well of talent. That, and recognising the importance of nurturing the next generation, led me to create the Chineke! Junior Orchestra alongside the professional one. 

The Junior Orchestra is mentored by players from the professional ensemble. This initiative not only develops young talent but is also a source of inspiration for aspiring musicians from all backgrounds. Not only is it important for young Black students to see mentors and tutors that look like them, but it is just as important – if not more so – for young white musicians to be tutored by Black professional musicians. This will go a very long way towards reprogramming the thinking and perceptions about Black people.

Chineke! Junior Orchestra

Setting up Chineke! has been an immense learning curve. Assembling an organisation and charity from scratch with limited resources was no easy feat. But with the unwavering belief in the project, the support of passionate individuals, and the determination to effect change, we overcame countless obstacles. We stood firm in our conviction that classical music should be accessible to all.

Prestigious platforms

The work of both the Chineke! Orchestra and the wider foundation is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity – perhaps most notably the orchestra's residency at Southbank Centre. 

The partnership with Southbank has provided Chineke! with a prestigious platform to showcase the exceptional talent among Black and ethnically diverse musicians, while challenging traditional perceptions of classical music. It has included reviving music by composers who have been neglected throughout history.

Another significant milestone was Chineke!'s participation in the BBC Proms in 2017. It was televised and became the most viewed concert in the history of the Proms. 

These high-profile engagements have helped Chineke! shatter stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and expand opportunities for diverse musicians.  And recognition from organisations such as Arts Council England, where we are now a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), provides us with stability, increasing other funding opportunities and our ability to plan for the future. 

Developing the orchestras of tomorrow

As an NPO, Chineke! is now able to invest in long-term programmes, expand our reach and continue to empower diverse talent in classical music. By fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for underrepresented musicians, we can enrich and revitalise this art form and demonstrate that inclusion works for everyone’s benefit, both on and off the stage.

And by actively nurturing diverse talent from an early stage via the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, we are creating a more inclusive industry supporting and showcasing the unique contributions of all musicians. This is developing the orchestras of tomorrow. 

Our launch concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall stands as a milestone in our journey. The moment we stepped on stage, the crowd rose in thunderous applause. It was a testament to the power of diversity and the hunger for change. Our 62 musicians, heralding from 31 different nationalities, each representing a unique story and heritage, united in their love for music, captured the hearts of the audience.

Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE is a double bassist and Founder & Artistic Director of Chineke! 
 www.chineke.org/
@Chineke4Change | @chichinwanoku