Chineke! Orchestra
Joseph Young, conductor
Njioma Chinyere Grievous, violin
Monday 15 June
Sala Teatro
LAC+ Discount
Carlos Simon (geb. 1986)
Four Black American Dances
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875–1912)
Violinkonzert in g-Moll, Op. 80
***
Florence B. Price (1887–1953)
Sinfonie Nr. 1 in E minor
Europe's first symphonic ensemble composed mainly of musicians from Afrodescendants and other ethnically underrepresented communities, the Chineke! Orchestra reaffirms with this concert its mission to give voice to the talents of these communities and to rewrite the canon of classical music with a more inclusive and global perspective. An invitation to listen, rediscover and acknowledge the richness and variety of voices that make up the history of symphonic music.
Founded in 2015 by double bassist and cultural activist Chi-chi Nwanoku, the Chineke! Orchestra's mission is to break down the barriers that have limited diversity in the classical music world, offering professional opportunities to musicians from underrepresented communities and contributing to the rediscovery of neglected composers. The name Chineke! means “God creator” in the Igbo language, a reminder of the mission to enhance musical talent in all its forms. The evening's programme fully embodies this vision, presenting a repertoire entirely dedicated to African-American composers, combining popular roots with the sophistication of orchestral writing. Under the baton of Joseph Young and with Njioma Chinyere Grevious as soloist, the concert celebrates diversity and innovation, bringing to the stage a historically marginalised musical heritage and helping to rewrite the canon of classical music from a more equitable and intercultural perspective.