August 2, 2018
Many congratulations to Chineke! French Horn
player Adedeji Ogunfolu, who has recently been appointed second horn of
the Pacific Symphony in California. We caught up with Adedeji, asking
him a few questions about his experiences, what Chineke! means to him,
and any advice he might give to aspiring musicians.
How did you become a musician/become involved in music?
From
my first introduction to classical music, I knew that performing would
be a large part of my life in some capacity. When I was a kid, I would
watch classical music broadcasts on PBS and other public access
television platforms. I would use my allowance to buy CD's of my
favourite artists. I played cello, trumpet and piano before settling my
focus full-time on the French horn.
What do you wish someone had told you when you were first considering becoming a musician?
I
wish I was told to enjoy the process of growth more. I spent a lot of
time lamenting over not being exactly I wanted to be as a musician, both
musically and technically. As cliche as it sounds, everything happens
in its own time. I am 31, and still feel like I am getting better as a
horn-player. Sometimes I surprise myself!
How
did you first hear about the Chineke! Foundation? What did you
initially think of the idea and has that changed since you have been
involved?
I initially
saw a YouTube video of the Chineke orchestra approximately three years
ago. A few months later when Chi-chi contacted me asking me to perform
with the group, I leapt at the opportunity. I had never been to London,
and I had a chance to play with some phenomenal musicians. Definitely a
win-win!
I was familiar
with the premise of Chineke! through my affiliation with the Sphinx
Organization in the states. So the idea of Chineke! was not completely
foreign to me. I was happy to shine a light on diversity in classical
music.
Have you found that there are any specific challenges associated with being a BME musician? If so, what are they?
I
think the biggest challenge for me being a BME musician is not seeing
yourself as you see peers from other backgrounds. That reality does not
make me enjoy my profession any less, but when you are the "only one"
that reality can be somewhat isolating.
What is the musical accomplishment you are most proud of?
Playing
guest principal with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in April of this
year, and a couple of months later, winning my job with the Pacific
Symphony Orchestra
How has playing with Chineke! helped you/your personal development as a musician?
Chineke!
reminded me to stay flexible and to keep an open mind. Playing styles
and interpretations can vary vastly depending on where you are in the
world, and all approaches are valid in their own ways.
What advice would you give to an aspiring young BME musician?
I
would say find examples of role models with whom you identify. For me
that was Jerome Ashby, former Associate Principal horn of the New York
Philharmonic. He continues to serve as inspiration for me to this day.
The first time I laid eyes on him was watching a New York Philharmonic
broadcast. Seeing Mr. Ashby also made me know that it was possible to
pursue this career.
