Chineke! Orchestra
Joseph Young, conductor
Njioma Chinyere Grevious, violin
Monday 15 June
Sala Teatro
LAC+ Discount
20% 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.
The Chineke! Foundation has become a pioneering force in classical music, reshaping the industry by championing Black and ethnically diverse talent while redefining what orchestral excellence looks like on today’s global stage. Renowned for its artistic brilliance and powerful mission, Chineke! provides vital career opportunities for both established and emerging musicians across the globe. Founded in 2015 by visionary double bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku, CBE, Chineke!’s work is powered by a cohort of about 100 professional players in the Chineke! Orchestra. Alongside them is the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, for talented musicians aged 11–22 as well as a vibrant Learning & Participation programme. 2022 saw the launch of Chineke! Voices, Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse vocal ensemble.
Chineke! performs regularly across the UK and tours internationally throughout Europe and North America. As a Resident Orchestra at London’s Southbank Centre, they perform throughout the year at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Royal Festival Hall and are proud to have close associations with Fairfield Halls in Croydon and venues across the UK.
Every Chineke! programme celebrates composers of Black and ethnically diverse heritage, spotlighting overlooked figures from the past while commissioning, performing, and recording new works by living composers today. Beyond the stage, Chineke! is investing in the future of the industry through initiatives such as the Composer in Residence programme and newly launched Assistant Conductor scheme, offering hands-on, career-shaping opportunities for the next generation of orchestral talent.
Violin 1
Julian Gil Rodriguez
Juan Gonzalez
Betania Johnny
Matt Oshida
Sarah Martin
Judith Choi-Castro
Sofia Yatsyuk
Aaliyah Booker
Lyrit Milgram
Imaan Kashim
Natalee Jeremic
Alfredo Reyes-Logounova
Violin 2
Julian Azkoul
Chelsea Sharpe
Steven Crichlow
Kourosh Ahmadi
Daniel Meyer
Doris Kuo
Sophia Kannathasan
Davinder Singh
Zagisha Kamil
Nadine Nagen
Viola
Deanna Said
Wei Wei Tan
Natalia Solis Paredes
Alison D’Souza
Beatrice Slocumbe
Jesse Francis
Manuel Camara
Nadia Eskandari
Cello
Adi Tal
Elliott Bailey
Laura Anstee
Marion Portelance
David Kadumukasa
Deni Teo
Mary Ann Ramos
Zara Hudson-Kozdoj
Double Bass
Roberto Carrillo-Garcia
Evangeline Tang
Aaron Barrera Reyes
Marcus de Oliveira
Thea Sayer
Fabian Galeana
Flute
Rowland Sutherland
Meera Mahara
Daniel Shao (picc 1)
Mina Middleton (picc 2)
Oboe
Lorraine Hart
Bernice Lee
Clarinet
Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson
Stephanie Yim
Bassoon
Andres Yauri
Daria Phillips
French Horn
Francisco Gomez
Derryck Nasib
Nivanthi Karunaratne
Isaac Shieh
Ping Wei Wu
Trumpet
Richard Kelley
Emily Mitchell
Rebecca Toal
Trombone
Chris Augustine
Jake Durham
Bass Trombone
Michaias Berlouis
Tuba
Hanna Mbuya
Timpani
Zubin Hathi
Percussion
Sacha Johnson
Jason Chowdhury
Kiyomi Seed
Harp
Ruby Aspinall
Trailer
Chineke! Orchestra
Florence B. Price – Sinfonia No. 1 in mi minore, III: Juba Dance
