Chi-chi is the Founder, Artistic and Executive Director of the Chineke! Foundation, which supports, inspires and encourages Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) classical musicians working in the UK and Europe. The Chineke! Foundation champions change and celebrates diversity in the classical music industry through its two orchestras, the Chineke! Orchestra and Chineke! Junior Orchestra, as well as its educational and outreach work. Ultimately, the Chineke! Foundation aims to give classical BME musicians a platform on which to excel, and by such methods increase the representation of BME musicians in British and European orchestras. More information about the Chineke! Foundation and its work can be found at www.chineke.org.
Projects
- Chineke! Junior OrchestraThe Chineke! Orchestra works closely with its sister ensemble, the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, a youth orchestra of BME players aged 11-18. Many of our players already benefit from a number of existing youth schemes, junior music colleges and specialist music schools across the UK. The Chineke! Orchestra plays an important role in this project, with senior players acting as mentors, teachers and role models to the young musicians. In this way, the Chineke! Junior Orchestra acts as a bridge between such schemes and higher education, giving its players experience, encouragement and confidence during their formative years, with the hope of increasing the numbers of BME candidates currently studying music at third level. This process has already begun, with one of our junior musicians having been offered a full scholarship to the RAM. The Chineke! Junior Orchestra is always seeking new musicians of a suitable standard (Grade 8+). If you think you or your child might be interested in joining, or if you would like more information regarding the performance schedule and time commitments of the orchestra, please do not hesitate to contact us here
- Chineke! FoundationThe Chineke! Foundation is a non-profit organisation which has been established to provide career opportunities to young BME classical musicians in the UK and Europe. At Chineke!, we champion change and celebrate diversity in classical music, and we aim to be a catalyst for change in the industry. Initially, this will be achieved through the establishment of Europe’s first Black and minority ethnics orchestra, composed of exceptional musicians from across the continent. Closely linked to this initiative will be a Junior orchestra (11-18yrs), drawn from those who have benefitted from existing youth schemes such as LMM, MYFM, In Harmony El Sistema, Junior music colleges, specialist music schools and annual competitions. It is envisaged that senior players will act as mentors, teachers and role models to these young musicians. Additionally, Chineke! will seek to influence government to re-introduce music into the school curriculum, leveling the playing field for disadvantaged youths.
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Projects credited in
- Championing Diversity: this Black History Month, meet 100 creatives inspiring changeWe asked 11 of our creative heroes to each nominate 10 leading black change makers and creators who are shaping the current climate with raw talent, big ideas and crazy hard work. There is still a huge disparity of BAME individuals in the creative industry. Currently only 13% of the creative industry workforce identify as coming from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. In addition, only 8% of senior positions have BAME representation. Spotlighting this subject is as important as ever. True d138
Skills
- Music