Chineke! Foundation and its Founder, Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, today announce that Chi-chi has stepped down as Artistic Director and is leaving the organisation she founded over ten years ago.
Her vision and dedication in setting up the organisation in 2015, have seen it grow from the ground up, to provide outstanding career opportunities to established and up-and-coming Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians. The Board remains committed to honouring Chi-chi’s legacy as Founder and wishes her every success in the future.
Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE said: “I founded Chineke! in 2015 with the belief that classical music should reflect the world we live in. Over ten years, we built Europe’s first professional orchestra and junior orchestra of its kind, performed on many of the world’s leading stages, and brought entirely new audiences to classical music. I am immensely proud of every musician and young person who came through the organisation, and of everything that grew from a vision many believed was impossible. The work of improving representation in classical music is far from complete, and I will continue to champion that cause in the next chapter of my career.”
Frank Douglas, Chair of the Chineke! Foundation Board, said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to pay tribute to Chi-chi’s vision, determination and achievements in founding and leading the organisation over its first ten years. Her work has created opportunities for established and emerging Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians and established an organisation whose impact will be felt for many years. I also want to thank the staff, players and supporters for their commitment to Chineke! and its mission. Above all, we recognise Chi-chi’s enduring legacy as Founder. Chineke! would not exist without her vision, determination and leadership, and we thank her for that extraordinary contribution. We wish Chi-chi every success in the future.”