Chi-chi Nwanoku established the Chineke! Foundation in 2015 to provide career opportunities for Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe. Deborah Cheetham founded Short Black Opera in 2009 to develop Indigenous singers in Australia. As Chineke! prepares to play at the Adelaide Festival, Deborah Cheetham talks with Chi-chi Nwanoku about changing perceptions and the similar challenges they have faced.

Chineke!
Members of Chineke! Photo © Eric Richmond and Joe Swift.
Chineke! Chamber Ensemble will make its Australian debut at the Adelaide Festival in 2022 and is set to be one of the hottest tickets in the program. Drawing on ten Principal Artists from Chineke! Orchestra, this dynamic and elegant ensemble under the leadership of founding Director Chi-chi Nwanoku is already having a profound impact on the Australian classical...