Birmingham’s Symphony Hall hosted Europe’s first-ever Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) orchestra, Chineke! Last Saturday evening (Sep 16) began with a private VIP drinks reception and featured a pre-concert conversation with Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, pictured, Founder & Artistic Director of Chineke!
Fresh from their BBC Proms debut, Chineke’s performance captured the likes of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Mendelssohn’s popular Violin Concerto. The orchestra is led by iconic violinist Tai Murray who has become an essential personality in today’s classical musical world. With pin-drop silence and rapturous applause a relevant moments, the concert mesmerised the house-full audience. Chi-Chi was awarded an OBE this year for Services to Music in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. Chineke’s Patron is Baroness Patricia Scotland QC.
Speaking about her project, Chi-chi said: “My aim is to create a space where BAME musicians can walk on stage and know that they belong, in every sense of the word. If even one BAME child feels that their colour is getting in the way of their musical ambitions, then I hope to inspire them, give them a platform, and show them that music, of whatever kind, is for all people.”
To find out more about Chineke! Visit www.chineke.org
