Inclusive Orchestras

The Association of British Orchestras and Symphony Services Australia joined forces for this online orchestral symposium, Orchestral Connections, specially for members of these organisations. Comprising four webinars, these sessions will feature speakers from both the UK and Australia.

Our Executive Director Lena Nahlous moderated a session called “Inclusive Orchestras,” as part of British Council’s AU/UK Season. The focus of the panel was examining diversity and inclusion on and off the stage and dissecting meaningful programs that have demonstrated real impact in the orchestra sector.

Panelists

Professor Deborah Cheetham AO is a Yorta Yorta woman, soprano, composer and is the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s inaugural First Nations Creative Chair. She is founder and artistic director of Short Black Opera, where she established Ensemble Dutala and the One Day in January project.

Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE – Double bassist, Founder and Artistic and Executive Director of Chineke!. Chi-chi was a founder member of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, where she held the position of Principal double bass player for 30 years. She is also known for her work as a broadcaster with the BBC and is Professor of Double Bass Historical Studies at the Royal Academy of Music, where she was made a Fellow in 1998.

Morwenna Collett is one of Australia’s foremost diversity, access and inclusion consultants and is a Churchill Fellow. She trained as an orchestral flautist, is former CEO of Accessible Arts, and has worked in senior roles at Australia Council for the Arts including as Director, Major Performing Arts.

Andrew Miller is the former UK Government Disability Champion for Arts and Culture, and founder of HASHTAG # We Shall Not Be Removed – the UK Disability Arts Alliance. He is also the Chair of Arts Council England’s Disability Advisory Group.