At the age of seven, Chi-chi Nwanoku discovered music on a neighbour’s piano and was so inspired by its sounds and possibilities that she began her education as a classical musician. She played piano and took up double bass at 18, after an injury ruled out her other passion – athletics.

Chi-chi studied at the Royal Academy of Music, in London, and has become one of England’s most sought-after double bassists – developing a worldwide reputation as one of the finest exponents on her instrument today.

She is currently Principal double bass with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment – of which she is also a founder member – and Endymion Ensemble and Professor of Double Bass Historical Studies at The Royal Academy of Music, Professor of Double Bass at Trinity College of Music in London and a visiting Professor for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

She was awarded an MBE for Services to Music in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2001 and frequently works for BBC Radio.

Chi-chi has a wide range of musical interests, resulting in her involvement in the cutting-edge of diverse styles of performance practice and her wide repertoire of recordings.

To the judging panel, she brings a consummate knowledge of the skills and personality needed to become both a solo performer and recording artist.