Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, the British-Nigerian double bassist who founded the Chineke! Orchestra, has stepped down as Artistic Director of the organisation after eleven years at its helm.
In a personal statement, Nwanoku reflected on the journey that began in 2015, when she set out to build a network for the excellent Black and ethnically diverse musicians she knew were out there but had no platform to unite them. What started as a single idea grew into two orchestras; the Chineke! Orchestra and its junior counterpart for musicians aged 11 to 22; performing on some of the world’s leading stages and creating real opportunities for artists long overlooked by the classical music industry.
Building Europe’s First of Its Kind
Founded in 2015, Chineke! became Europe’s first majority-Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse orchestra, and its flagship ensemble was quickly appointed an Associate Orchestra of the Southbank Centre following its launch concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Over the following decade, the organisation drew backing from major institutions including the BBC, the Association of British Orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic Society, and Arts Council England.
Nwanoku, an ex-sprinter turned classical musician who spent 30 years as a founding member and principal double bassist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, has credited the musicians, institutions, and supporters who backed the vision from the start. She has also written a personal letter to colleagues, friends, and supporters who shared in the journey.
A Board Tribute; and a More Complicated Backstory
The Chineke! Foundation’s Board of Trustees, led by chair Frank Douglas, paid tribute to Nwanoku’s vision, determination, and achievements in founding and leading the organisation over its first eleven years, describing her legacy as one that would be felt for years to come.
However, the departure follows a more difficult chapter than the celebratory tone of the announcement suggests. Nwanoku was suspended from the organisation in December 2024 amid independent investigations into alleged breaches of the foundation’s code of conduct, including conflicts of interest. At the time, there were also reports of allegations concerning bullying and management concerns within the orchestra, and her role had already been reduced from executive to artistic director before the suspension. Her formal resignation now brings that chapter to a close, even as both she and the board have chosen to publicly emphasise the achievements of her tenure.
A Legacy in Classical Music
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding her exit, Nwanoku’s impact on the classical music landscape is widely acknowledged. Chineke! reshaped conversations about diversity and representation in British and European orchestras, and its influence is expected to outlast the leadership transition. News of Nwanoku’s next project is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
