Chineke Orchestra: The first Black and Minority Ethnic orchestra for classical music

That Chineke Orchestra exists should not come as a surprise – music, after all, runs in our very souls and if it has a rhythm, we will sway to it. What is surprising is that it has taken so long to establish one. That said, Chineke Orchestra – the first Black and Ethnic Minority group orchestra in Europe – is here, and it could not be more sublime.

Founded by Chi-Chi Nwanoku MBE who is not only a consummate double bassist but also an ex-athlete and radio broadcaster, the Chineke Foundation believes that all young people deserve the chance to grow and develop as musicians, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

They therefore seek to be a force for good in the classical music industry, levelling the playing field for young Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) music students, and helping to create a vibrant new generation of professional musicians of all colours.

Of a truth, their work is awe-inspiring, and listening to them in performance will melt you to your core.

There is nothing that we cannot do as Black people and as Nigerians – the potential within us is limitless and the Chineke Foundation is just further proof of that.