Chineke! Changing the record

Chineke! Orchestra are the cover starts of Classical Music Magazine’s July 2019 issue on the theme of Diversity.

Chris Gunness profiled Chineke! in a three-page spread, describing how the orchestra is working to change racial prejudice and privilege in the classical music industry for good.

‘Before Chineke! there was nothing like it,’ says founder Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE. ‘Today, people of colour are acceptable in the industry, whereas the establishment used to say classical music is not for people like you.’

The article features interviews with three Chineke! musicians: Ashok Klouda, cellist; Mariam Adam, clarinettist; and Samson Diamond, violinist. Each describe their musical motivations and the impact that Chineke! has had on their personal and professional lives.

“[Chineke!] is relevant and necessary and could not have been founded sooner. It bridges the demographical and cultural divide that so many are oblivious and indifferent to.” ~Samson Diamond

Subscribers to Classical Music Magazine can order their print copy directly from Rhinegold Publishing or read the full article online.