Chi-chi Nwanoku apologises for alleged bullying incidents
OrchestrasThe Sunday Mirror reports that Chi-Chi Nwanoku has issued an apology to young musicians in her Chineke orchestra, regretting alleged incidents of high-handed behaviour.
In an email to musicians she wrote: ‘I am truly sorry for everything I have said or done that has been experienced as bullying.
‘Bullying could not be further away from any of my intended actions, but I accept this has been the experience of some players, conductors and staff. “I have to change the way I interact with you and I am determined to do so…’
Ms Nwanoku last week stepped down from all her positions with the orchestra, except that of artistic director.
The Charity Commission said: ‘We have opened a compliance case into Chineke! Foundation, in relation to potential governance concerns reported in the media.’
None of this has been reported anywhere, except in slippedisc.com and the Mirror. The rest of the media is weirdly silent.
Of course they’re silent. Can’t risk having their ideological bubble burst, can they?
Will this also lead to ACE withdrawing their funding, as it surely would have with other less ideologically-driven groups? Thought not.
I understand that Chineke were being considered for an appearance at the Coronation but that this was vetoed after consultations with ACE.
Chi-Chi would be considered a security risk to have in the coronation after the leaked National Anthem E mail. Too risky she may stage a protest live to the world.
From the Mirror: It comes after the foundation – which runs both Black and ethnically diverse orchestras – was handed £2.1million in funding from the Arts Council, despite it being aware of a complaint against Ms Nwanoku.
Er, what’s the difference between a Black and an ethnically diverse orchestra apart from the fact they exclude whites?
I don’t want to be picky, but aren’t there lots of asian orchestras what don’t have blacks or whites ?
Bullying from the ‘practically perfect in every way’ Ms Nwanoku – surely not?
Apparently, Chi Chi had already proposed including Ravel’s Pavane for a Dead Infanta in memory of Diana before the orchestra was finally dropped.
Better than John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine.
I’ve played that piece in concert. A whole lot of stuff is better.
Weasel words: “I am truly sorry for everything I have said or done that has been experienced [sic] as bullying.”
Chi-Chi Nwanoku has taken a step in the right direction. But, like Priti Patel, she did not say “I’m sorry I bullied you”. She said “I’m sorry if you thought I was bullying you”.
It seems that more and more people feel that it is legitimate to try to silence censure simply by asserting THEIR perception of themselves. Hence,
“I know I’m not a bully”
“I know I’m not a racist”, etc.
I’m sure that Putin would assert that he is not a war criminal.
‘Regret’ is not apology. Just saying…
This incessant chatter about the national anthem and monarchy needs to subside. The reluctance of the orchestra to perform the anthem is understandable considering the conflicting nature of the situation. Yes it is hypocritical as Chi-chi Nwanoku takes the titles but all this does is make the focus on this being the problem and not her behaviour towards players and her team. The latter should be the focus. this organization should serve as a secure environment for players of various ethnicities who have endured racism and discrimination within their life and their work. It should be a safe haven for staff and team members to collaborate harmoniously and feel like their opinions can be voiced without being constantly made to feel irrelevant
Rather than fixating on this matter of anthem and monarch our attention should be directed towards the fact that the organization has been governed by a tyrant and a narcissist. The Arts Council and other relevant authorities have failed to take this issue seriously. Countless individuals have been ostracised, suffered mental and emotional abuse, with their self-esteem shattered. Chi-chi would undoubtedly denounce such behavior in any other circumstance. It saddens me that the Arts Council haven’t conducted a real investigation, she should be fully removed from the organzation to enable it to truly grown the way it should.
Only a bully would refuse to honour a recently dead old lady.
What about an apology for all her viciously anti-British and anti-white rants? What about her offensive and provocative website? I do hope that Chineke! will thrive under new management – and that Chi-Chi sticks to doing what she’s good at – playing her double-bass.
Good player? Out of tune player. Best kept secret in London!
https://theviolinchannel.com/chineke-orchestra-debut-black-ethnic-minority-southbank-london-chichi-nwanoku/
Chineke’s debut.
All players are BAME.
Where have they all gone and WHY have they all gone?
White freelancers are getting increasingly desperate calls to work for Chineke now and the orchestra looks very different.
Has anyone at ACE actually talked to any MUSICIANS?
If this is happening to adult musicians I dread to think how the children were treated by her! Is anyone investigating?