Chineke! Juniors: The Rising Stars of Classical Music

Last summer, my family and I were treated to an unforgettable evening when we attended a Chineke! Juniors performance at the iconic Fairfield Halls. From the moment they took the stage, I was filled with immense pride—a feeling that only grew as the night progressed and has stayed with me ever since. Watching these talented young musicians, each note they played felt like a celebration, not just of classical music but of culture, talent, and the incredible power of diversity.

Chineke! Juniors are the sister ensemble of the Chineke! Orchestra, both founded in 2015 by the visionary double bass player, Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE. Her goal? To create career opportunities for Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians across the UK and Europe. Chineke!’s mission, ‘Championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music,’ is more than just words—they are living it, one performance at a time.

As the Juniors presented pieces of classical music, each note carried a unique seasoning, a twist that kept me smiling from start to finish. It wasn’t just the music—it was the story behind it, a story of young people between the ages of 11 and 22, all from Black and ethnically diverse backgrounds, reclaiming a space in classical music that historically hasn’t always felt welcoming to them. This ensemble is paving the way for a new generation of musicians, with Chineke! creating opportunities for these emerging talents to shine.

Even now, I remember the sound that filled Fairfield Halls that night—perfectly in tune yet refreshingly different. The way they blended classical tradition with fresh energy made it a night to remember, and the pride that swelled in my chest remained with me long after the final note faded. That’s the beauty of Chineke! Juniors. They don't just perform music; they transform it.

Keep an eye out for their upcoming concerts—you won’t want to miss it. If you're ready to see the future of classical music, sprinkled with a rich diversity of talent and heritage, Chineke! Juniors is the orchestra to watch. Their performances will lift your spirits and, like me, you'll find that your smile stays with you long after the show ends. I you can take more goodness try the big sister, Chineke! Orchestra.