Orchestra given £1m public money refused to play UK Anthem after Queen died ‘as it symbolises racist British Empire’

AN orchestra handed £1million of public money refused to play the National Anthem after the Queen died as they claim it symbolises the "racist" British Empire.

The Chineke! Orchestra  performed at the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland during the mourning period, but founder and artistic director Chi-chi Nwanoku banned the playing of God Save The King.

Ms Nwanoku, who accepted honours including a CBE, wrote in an email: ‘The Chineke! Orchestra is full of musicians who are not from the UK and many who are the direct result of their ancestors being enslaved. 

“We will not be playing the National Anthem in Lucerne.”

The move has been widely criticised by MPs and musical figures, with Julian Knight, Tory MP and the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, saying: "It’s a bizarre opinion which seems even more bizarre coming from someone who has a bag full of honours."

In another email Ms Nwanoku said: ‘I would be extremely uncomfortable imposing it on people who a) are not British and b) who are not nationalistic and c) the list goes on.

"It does not mean we are not sad that the Queen has died.’

London-born Ms Nwanoku, an acclaimed double bassist of Irish and Nigerian descent.

She is one of the most high-profile figures on the UK classical music scene.

The orchestra has received more than £1million from Arts Council England, which includes money from the National Lottery.