Guggenheim gong for Chi-chi

The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, has given its Fair Saturday Sward to Chineke founder, Chi-chi Nwanoku.

This award aims to recognize the outstanding artistic career of the double bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, founder of the Chineke! Orchestra, a beacon of change in the classical music industry that demonstrates that music is a powerful tool to celebrate the richness that comes from the inclusion of varied perspectives. Chineke! It has become one of the leading international organizations in promoting the representation and talent of musicians of African descent and diverse ethnic origins.

She shares the award with, among others, the pianist James Rhodes: Beyond his artistic career, Rhodes stands out for his work as an ambassador in the fight to eradicate child violence, working for the achievement of a new law to protect children from violence that came into force in June 2021.

And Evelyn Glennie: At the age of 12, Dame Evelyn Glennie was diagnosed with profound deafness, which has not prevented her from shining in her musical career. Ella Glennie maintains that deafness is largely misunderstood by the public, stating that she has learned to hear with body parts other than her ears. Through its mission “Teach the world to listen”, it aims to improve communication and social cohesion by encouraging everyone to discover new ways of listening to inspire, create, engage and empower.