Belonging is a basic human need... everyone deserves that

Classical musician Chi-Chi Nwanoku talks to NAOMI CLARKE about founding the Chineke! Orchestra and its mission to be a catalyst for change for musicians of colour

 

“I SAY, ‘You can be what you can see’,” reflects classical musician Chi-Chi Nwanoku, “and that’s why it’s so important to encourage representative orchestras throughout the world.

“A child can look into an area that they enjoy and see themselves and have a goal to go towards and be inspired and want to walk in the footsteps of someone like them.”

After a career spanning more than three decades in classical music, where she was often the only person of colour on the stage, the esteemed double bass player decided to take matters into her own hands by founding the Chineke! Foundation in 2015.

Through its senior and junior orchestras it aims to provide career opportunities for black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe, something she lacked growing up.

“I was always curious about why this was the case. Why was there virtually zero diversity in the industry of classical music?” recalls the 67-year-old.

After being asked by former culture secretary Ed Vaizey why she was often the only person of colour he saw on international concert stages, Chi-Chi realised her dream of creating a space which would champion change and diversity within classical music.