2019: Gamechanger
For inspirational and transformative work breaking new ground in classical music.
Chineke!
Chineke! – Britain’s first majority Black and Minority Ethnic orchestra – becomes the first-ever recipient of the Gamechanger Award presented to an individual, group or organisation who in unique and contemporary ways has done inspirational and transformative work breaking new ground in classical music. Chi-chi Nwankoku OBE, Founder, Artistic & Executive Director of Chineke!, says:
‘It is a great honour for Chineke! to receive the first Royal Philharmonic Society Gamechanger Award. For Chineke!'s work across the UK over the past four years to have been recognised in this way is a huge accolade for the organisation and we will be proud champions of everything that the RPS stands for and is striving to achieve as we continue with our mission of "championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music.'
Unlike the other Awards for which the RPS annually assembles an independent panel of experts from across the music profession to decide on the shortlist and winner, this Award is decided upon by the RPS Board of Trustees and Council and has no shortlist.