Irene Osuji

Irene Ufuoma Osuji is a distinguished Nigerian music professional and the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Nigeria (NYO_Nigeria). As founder of Ginuo Musica in September 2011, she has championed the fusion of classical and indigenous African music through training, masterclasses, performance, publishing, and production initiatives. Under her leadership, NYO_Nigeria—convened annually by Ginuo Musica since 2016—provides tuition-free intensive coaching for young instrumentalists and vocalists, culminating in high-profile "Afroclassic" concerts that celebrate Nigeria's rich musical heritage, with mix of western and indigenous musical instrumentation. Her visionary work has fostered key collaborations, including with the Goethe-Institut Nigeria and Alliance Française Lagos to advance cultural exchange and youth development in the musical arts through hosted masterclasses, recitals and performances; with the University of Lagos Faculty of Creative Arts for lectures and dialogues; as well as with esteemed German conductor Walter-Michael Vollhardt, whose contributions as visiting conductor and strings masterclass instructor have enriched NYO_Nigeria's training and performances, notably in 2019, and the 2024/2025 season leading to landmark Afroclassic concerts. These efforts have been highlighted in prominent platforms, like Music in Africa, for their impact on the continental music sector. With over 15 years of executive experience in project management and artistic direction, Osuji brings versatile, multilingual expertise to her role, nurturing emerging talents and promoting international orchestral dialogue across Nigeria.