Chineke! Orchestra is a dynamic and pioneering ensemble in the world of classical music, notable for being the first professional orchestra in Europe to be made up primarily of black and ethnically diverse musicians. Founded in 2015 by Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, the orchestra's mission extends beyond music performance; it seeks to address the historical underrepresentation of minority ethnic musicians in classical music. Chineke! Orchestra has garnered critical acclaim for its vibrant performances and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, becoming a transformative force within the classical music landscape.

The ensemble's repertoire is as diverse as its membership, spanning from beloved classical masterpieces to contemporary works, with a special emphasis on showcasing compositions by black and ethnically diverse composers. This approach is evident in their recent releases, which include innovative renditions of classics such as "The Nutcracker Suite" by Tchaikovsky, alongside important works by composers of African descent such as Florence Price's "Piano Concerto in One Movement; Symphony No. 1 in E Minor" and Coleridge-Taylor's "Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 80". By doing so, Chineke! not only delights audiences with their sublime musicality but also educates and expands horizons by highlighting the rich contributions of black composers to the classical music canon. Through their performances and recordings, Chineke! Orchestra continues to champion diversity, challenge expectations, and inspire future generations of musicians.

Genres

British Orchestra

Related Artists

London Symphony Orchestra

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Philadelphia Orchestra

Philharmonia Orchestra

Daniel Hope

Jean-Yves Thibaudet

BBC Symphony Orchestra

New York Philharmonic

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Latest Release

The Nutcracker Suite

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky•

Duke Ellington•

Chineke! Orchestra

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released October 27, 2023