Chineke! Orchestra makes BBC Proms Debut

The Chineke! Orchestra made its BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall on 30 August 2017, under the baton of Kevin John Edusei, and featuring soloists Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jeanine de Bique.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the Chineke! Orchestra. Image by Mark Allen

Review Roundup:

The Guardian - Martin Kettle:

'...arguably one of the most important concerts that the Proms have ever hosted.'

The Financial Times - Richard Fairman:

'Chi-chi Nwanoku and its players from across the continent can feel content that they have sailed through their debut at the Proms with their heads held high.'

Classical Source: Nick Brekenfield:

'...this was like a return to the old style of Proms from Sir Henry Wood’s days. It was a bold conception that worked brilliantly...'

Strings Magazine: Inge Kjentrup: 

'Chineke! brings new perspectives and new audiences to the sometimes-sclerotic UK classical-music scene, and long may it continue to do s’

Bachtrack - Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres:

'Only two years old, the Chineke! Orchestra do not give the impression of being newly formed, yet give a younger and newer perspective on more traditional repertoire.'

Seen and Heard International - Colin Clarke:

'A fabulous Late-Night Prom, well attended and, deservedly, enthusiastically received.'

Composer Hannah Kendall takes to the stage after the world premiere of her new work, The Spark Catchers. Image by Mark Allen.

The Chineke! Foundation would like to thank our wonderful audience for making us feel so welcome at the Royal Albert Hall, and to all the musicians of the Chineke! Orchestra, as well as conductor Kevin John Edusei and our soloists Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jeanine de Bique, for their fabulous performances!

Don't worry if you missed this fantastic night: the full live broadcast is available on on BBC iPlayer for the next 30 days. The Prom will also be televised on 8 September on BBC 4.

Soprano Jeanine de Bique performs with the Chineke! Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall. Image by Mark Allen.

Conductor Kevin John Edusei and the Chineke! Orchestra. Image by Mark Allen