Resident Creatives
Chineke! is committed to transforming perceptions of who classical music is by and for, through its Composer in Residence and Assistant Conductor programmes. Together, these initiatives support Black and ethnically diverse composers and conductors, building a more inclusive and representative future for the industry by investing in exceptional talent at pivotal stages in their careers.
Assistant Conductor programme
Under the guidance of Chineke!'s Interim Artistic Director, Jonathon Heyward, the Assistant Conductor programme offers an immersive experience in the life and operations of Chineke! Orchestra. Work closely with our players and engaging with a diverse range of repertoire both from underrepresented composers and the more established canon.
In previous seasons, Assistant Conductors have assisted conductors in Chineke! concerts at the BBC Proms, the Southbank Centre, on European and USA tours, and led the Chineke! Junior Orchestra during their summer residential course.
Composer in Residence
Chineke! has had a long-standing commitment to commissioning new music by Black and ethnically diverse composers, with dozens of pieces commissioned by the orchestra in our first 10 years of existence from composers like Errollyn Wallen, Stewart Goodyear, Shirley J. Thompson, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Daniel Kidane, Hannah Kendall, and James B Wilson.
Our inaugural Composer in Residence for the 2026/27 season will work with the orchestra and further our mission. The majority of commissions for the season will go to this composer, and the aim is that this will be the start of a long-term relationship between the orchestra and composer.
Meet our Composer in Residence and Assistant Conductor
Nneka Cummins
Composer in Residence
Nneka is an award-winning composer who builds vibrant acoustic and electroacoustic sound worlds. Nneka was originally self-taught whilst studying a degree in Law and qualifying as a solicitor. Nneka graduated with an MA in composition from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2022 and was awarded the Liverpool Philharmonic’s Rushworth Composition Prize in 2021. Nneka was a Philharmonia
Composer Academy fellow in 2022/23 and Sound and Music New Voices Composer 2022.
Juan José Muñoz Borja
Assistant Conductor
Juan José Muñoz Borja is a Colombian conductor, who has worked with a wide range of professional and youth orchestras. He has taken part in masterclasses with distinguished conductors including Sir Mark Elder, Marin Alsop, Nicolás Pasquet, Andrés Orozco-Estrada, and Alpesh Chauhan.Alongside his conducting work,
Juan José is deeply committed to social engagement. He has collaborated with sevral organisations and initiatives focused on music as a tool for social change.