Chineke! Juniors: Aiyana Rennie, double bassist

“Performing with both the Chineke! Junior Orchestra and the Chineke! Orchestra has truly been eye opening.

I auditioned for the Chineke! Junior orchestra in 2018 age 13 and since then have performed repertoire that I would not have had the opportunity to play if it weren’t for this orchestra. 

Chineke! Junior orchestra has allowed me to receive insight and given me a space to drive turning my dreams into a reality and building upon my motivations to perform classical music. 

Knowing Chineke! has a prospering community of ethnically diverse musicians continues to inspire me. 

The talent that I witnessed from each individual in the Chineke! Junior orchestra made me want to match the energy of talent, raise my skills, gain confidence and offer my musicality. I have performed in prestigious venues such as The Pavilion at Kensington Palace, Eltham Palace, the Britain’s Got Talent stage and so much more. The joy each musician brings to their performances is profound. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic I am grateful for being invited to take part in three behind closed doors concerts aged 15 at the Southbank Royal Festival Hall with the Chineke! Orchestra.

I confess I was quite overwhelmed by the intensity and difficulty at first but because of the seed within me that was nurtured through senior mentors within the junior orchestra’s supportive environment I was able to push through my initial feelings. I appreciate the uniqueness and distinctness of transitioning to the Chineke! Orchestra, being seated with more experienced musicians caused me to grow and maintain courage throughout rehearsals and our performances. 

Performing in the world premiere of Remnants by James B Wilson was stunning, I have never performed with a poet before. Performing without a live audience didn’t stop anyone from blossoming day in and day out, it was incredible!

Learning by performing in the recent behind closed doors concerts with the professional Chineke! Orchestra was remarkable. I cherish every opportunity and understand through Chineke! I and many young musicians have an unparalleled pathway to a diverse future in classical music.”

WATCH Aiyana perform with the professional Chineke! Orchestra in this clip of the Florence B. Price Symphony no. 1 in E minor, conducted by Roderick Cox.

Aiyana Rennie - photo by Mark Allan