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Message from the Conductor and Organiser, Chuck Okudo
I began my journey in classical music at the age of five when my parents got a piano teacher for my sisters and me. We did not own a piano at the time and so we had to have our lessons in our neighbour’s house. Shortly after this, realising the need for unfettered access to a piano, my parents bought us a German upright piano. This quickened my development as I started to rapidly advance through the MUSON graded exams, scoring several distinction grades along the way. These good decisions from my parents have contributed to making me the person I am today. However, I am aware that the ability to have a piano teacher and own an imported piano in the 1990s was a privilege, a privilege many in Nigeria may never have. This is one of my key reasons for starting the No Child Left Behind Initiative. Many may never be able to own a piano, however, every child should have access to teachers and lessons, as those are more readily accessible.
From that foundation in classical piano, in addition to becoming an award-winning film music composer, I have been able to learn six other instruments and have held several music-related postings in the United Kingdom and the United States of America ranging from orchestra conductor to organist and choirmaster at several institutions and churches. Given that I trained as an economist at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and currently work as a chartered accountant in the United States of America for one of the world’s largest financial services firms, my musical ability has always served as a creative outlet as well as an extra source of income. This is what I want for the beneficiaries of this initiative. Nigeria is blessed with so much creative talent among our youths, especially those at pre-university level, and as such, it is a travesty it is not being adequately harnessed. With your support, we will change that!
Black Tie Christmas is the highlight of the year for the No Child Left Behind Initiative.
This year, the concert and dinner event will be held at Shell Zenith Bank Hall, MUSON Centre on Sunday, December 10, 2023. This not-for-profit event channels all funds raised net of cost of hosting the event strictly to the No Child Left Behind Initiative.
The inaugural Black Tie Christmas event was held on December 19, 2021 at MUSON Centre, Lagos. The event featured a 32-piece orchestra and a 25-member choir, as well as an assortment of soloists and guest appearances.
The 2023 concert will feature the finest classical and contemporary music practitioners from Nigeria and abroad, ultimately promoting the culture of classical music in Nigeria.
The dinner will be exquisite.