Poster Chi-chi Nwanoku, double bassist
Chi-chi Nwanoku is a double bassist and founder and artistic director of Chineke! Orchestra.
chi-chinwanoku.com
Rhapsody in Black

Bassist Chi-Chi Nwanoku is a champion for musicians of color

Rhapsody in Black - Chi-Chi Nwanoku
DOWNLOAD

Bassist Chi-Chi Nwanoku is more than a world-class performer. She also promotes music by composers of color in Europe through her Chineke! Foundation. She has supported an adult and youth orchestra to give professional experience to musicians of color who might otherwise struggle to find a voice in the world of classical music. 

Musical selections from Chi-Chi Nwanoku

Tom Johnson: Failing: A Very Difficult Piece for Solo String Bass

During an episode of Strings, Bows and Bellows on BBC 2, Nwanoku talks and performs an experimental work by composer Tom Johnson. From early on in her career she has had a mission to bring to the forefront music that is either underappreciated or underrepresented.

Franz Schubert: Trout Quintet - I. Allegro Vivace

The Chineke! Chamber Players performed Franz Schubert's Piano Quintet in A major (Trout) at the St. James's Church in Piccadilly, London. This iteration of the group includes Nwanoku (double bass), Rakhi Singh (violin), Clifton Harrison (viola), Eve-Marie Caravassilis (cello) and Jean-Bernard Marie (piano).

Credits

Host: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

Legendary rocker Jimi Hendrix loved classical music

Legendary rocker Jimi Hendrix loved classical music

Jimi Hendrix, who set London’s club scene ablaze and literally set his guitar ablaze while performing at Woodstock, also had a burning desire to study classical music. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

5:00
Meet Vernon Neal, the host of 'Rhapsody in Black'
Tosin Abasi is a guitar trailblazer

Tosin Abasi is a guitar trailblazer

Guitarist Tosin Abasi uses the influences of punk, funk, jazz and classical to forge a voice that doesn’t fit into any single category. He’s one of the most innovative guitarists alive today. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Herbie Hancock is a musical innovator

Herbie Hancock is a musical innovator

Herbie Hancock helped rewrite post-bop language and reimagined the rhythm section as a conversational engine. But his musical imagination wouldn’t stop at jazz. He has continued composing for film and the concert hall alike. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Miles Davis reinvented the jazz scene

Miles Davis reinvented the jazz scene

Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis redefined the genre in subtle and caustic ways. While he had great success he was always restless for innovation. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Quincy Jones was a legend across genres and decades

Quincy Jones was a legend across genres and decades

At his core, Quincy Jones was a composer and arranger whose voice was shaped by the world of classical music. His ability to weave Black musical traditions into classical frameworks opened doors for new generations of Black and Brown composers. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason grew up in a family surrounded by music

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason grew up in a family surrounded by music

Raised in a family surrounded by music, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason has worked hard to become a successful concert and recording artist. She had help along the way, primarily from her parents, who made sacrifices to ensure that she and her six younger siblings have all had wonderful music educations. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

5:00
Pianist Michelle Cann inspires next generation as a noted music teacher
5:00
Melanie DeMore uses her voice as a 'weapon of mass connection'
5:00
Composer Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson was an advocate for the Black Community
5:00
VIEW ALL EPISODES

About Rhapsody in Black

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Subscribe to the podcast:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicTuneInRSS Feed

About Rhapsody in Black
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00