KING CHARLES was welcomed with a special performance by the Bantam of the Opera choir last week during a visit to Bradford as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
The choir, supported by BBC Radio Leeds, sang an orchestral version of the Bradford City football anthem Take Me Home, Midland Road at Cartwright Hall last Thursday (15).
Following the performance, the King met and spoke with choir members Linda Norton and Mohammed Ibrahim. He applauded the group’s efforts, which form part of ongoing cultural events leading up to Bradford’s role as UK City of Culture in 2025.
The choir has 50 members from across Bradford, including a 90-year-old match-day volunteer and an 18-year-old A-Level student. Members are supporters of Bradford City Football Club and have been learning to sing opera through a challenge led by BBC Radio Leeds.
The name Bantam of the Opera reflects the football club’s nickname, “The Bantams,” and is a play on The Phantom of the Opera musical. The BBC Singers have worked with the group during rehearsals, and ambassadors for the project include Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, opera singer Lesley Garrett, and broadcaster Chris Kamara, a statement said.
Performance of Bantam of the Opera choir
The choir previously performed on the pitch during a Bradford City match celebrating the club’s promotion and commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire.
Choir member Norton said: “This day I will never forget. We’re so proud to have sung for the King. It’s something that will stay with me forever.”
Ibrahim added: “Four months ago, I wouldn’t have believed we’d meet the King. I’ll be telling my grandchildren about this day.”
James Sills, choral leader for the group, said the performance was a proud moment. He said, “It was such an incredible honour to sing for King Charles. Bantam of the Opera did themselves proud, singing with real passion and polish and as proud Bradfordians.
“It was testament to the power of community and to the power of singing and I hope that the King left with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.”
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