Chineke! Welcomes Frank Douglas as Chair

We’re pleased to share the following message from Frank Douglas, following his appointment as Chair of the Chineke! Foundation.

From my birth in Mississippi to my formative years in the challenging environment of South Bronx (NYC), I know very well the challenges of being a Black man in America. I credit a key part of my life to the ability of music to lift me out of those challenging surroundings and to see a different world. I was the only Black trumpet player accepted, at the time, to the High School of Music and Art (aka ‘the Fame school’), which was my first experience of being the
‘only one.’

I’ve lived and worked in the UK for 20 years. I was the first (and still only) Black male to be the Group Human Resources Director of a FTSE 100 organisation. Decades after my experience as a young musician, I continued to relate to being ‘the only one’. I therefore bring a personal resonance and professional commitment to the role of Chair of the Chineke! Foundation’s Board of trustees.

The 1st of February was my birthday and there is no greater gift or responsibility I have received for such an occasion than to assume the Chair of the Chineke! Foundation. Who would have envisioned that a ‘one-night stand’ in September 2015 would grow to be one of the most respected orchestras in the UK and the rest of the world?

The upcoming tour to Canada and the United States is a manifestation of how far the orchestra has come under the vision and leadership of Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE. During 2022, Chineke! became a resident orchestra of the Southbank Centre, and in November we learned that we will be entering Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, receiving regular funding from Arts Council England for the first time.

We’re not stopping there. We are absolutely committed to continuing with the high level of artistic excellence our audiences have come to associate with Chineke!, while looking to find new opportunities to celebrate and showcase Black and ethnically diverse musicians and composers. With this in mind, we’re looking forward to developing Chineke! Voices, which you will have heard at last year’s BBC Proms, singing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with our orchestra. We’ll also be providing structured development opportunities for aspiring conductors.

As newly appointed Chair, it is my intent to continue that fantastic growth pattern. To do that will require that we continually review and evolve our organisation and its culture, which is why today, we’re announcing some changes to our leadership team.

Founder of Chineke!, Chi-chi Nwanoku has relinquished her roles as a trustee on the Board, and as Executive Director, so she can focus on the role of Artistic Director, with responsibility for the artistic vision and programme. This will allow Chi-chi to concentrate on what she does best – bringing her passion, creativity and vision to the Foundation. We thank her for the endless and tireless efforts she has undertaken over the last seven years combining her managerial and artistic roles. We will be recruiting a Deputy Artistic Director to further support the emphasis on the artistic programme and support for the players.

As mentioned, we are grateful for achieving NPO status. With that status and the other support we already receive from donors, trusts, foundations and corporate sponsors, comes the expectation that we uphold the highest levels of governance and management. I am happy that the Board in December 2022 appointed Mark Higham as the Interim Managing Director. Mark has already helped to embed the additional managerial rigour and financial discipline that a well-run organisation requires.

We are continuing to strengthen the Chineke! Board, and I’m very pleased to announce that Lucy Stoner has been appointed as a Trustee. Lucy has been the Head of People for the Scouts and currently is the Global Director of Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse (PSHEA) for Care International. Lucy is a well-respected professional and has been dedicated to helping women and children survive in some of the most challenging parts of the world.

I cannot conclude without acknowledging the incredible musicians and staff of Chineke!, whose talent has made the Foundation what it is today, and is why we can face the future with confidence and conviction. Thank you too, of course, to our amazing supporters. You are the engine that makes possible every learning activity, rehearsal, and concert.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the commitment and passion of two of my fellow Board members Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE and Candace Allen, who have helped steer the organisation for many years.

I know from my experience as a businessperson that all organisations must continue to evolve in order to thrive. That is why I am very excited about the journey to Chineke! 2.0. While I am no longer able to play Beethoven, I can at least quote him in closing:

The barriers are not erected which can say to aspiring talents and industry, “Thus far and no farther.”

Dr. (h.c.) Frank Douglas, Chartered Companion CIPD Chair, Chineke! Foundation.