Exclusive: Chineke! suspends its founder

We learned earlier today that Chi-chi Nwanoku has been suspended from any involvement in Chineke!, the diversity orchestra that she founded.

No specific cause is being given, as this is deemed to be an HR issue, but we asked for an official statement from Chineke! and were issued with this:

“We can confirm that independent investigations into potential breaches of the foundation’s code of conduct are currently ongoing. These include conflicts of interest that undermine the foundation and its operations, so we are determined to respond quickly and robustly. It would not be appropriate nor fair to comment further until these investigations have concluded. Until then, our focus will be on supporting our employees and orchestra.”

Chi-chi Nwanoku, CBE, was founding doublebass of the period-instrument Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. She is also professor at the Royal Academy off Music.

A social reformer with strong opinions, loudly voiced, she has not hesitated to make enemies in pursuit of her cause. More worrying, there have been allegations of bullying and weak management at the orchestra.

Some her friends were removed from the board, now chaired by Frank Douglas. Chi-chi’s tole was reduced to artistic director, from which she has now been suspended.

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