Bantam of the Opera choir inspires pupils to sing

Opera singer Lesley Garrett has been performing with the choir since it formed

A choir of 50 Bradford City fans has performed at several workshops for primary school pupils as part of efforts to inspire more children to take up singing.

The Bantam of the Opera choir, formed by BBC Radio Leeds, was joined by singer Lesley Garrett at the event which was attended by six Bradford primary schools.

They performed a number of songs, including the football club's anthem Midland Road, to hundreds of children.

Garrett said it was an opportunity "to inspire the next generation about the power of singing, an instrument we are all able to use regardless of our socioeconomic background, as everyone has a voice".

The choir performed a number of songs, including You'll Never Walk Alone and Bradford City anthem Midland Road

She said: "Singing has been such an important part of my life, and I've seen how it's changed the lives of the Bantams for the better, giving many of them more confidence, so much joy and boosting their mental health and wellbeing."

The Bantam of the Opera choir was formed at the beginning of the year as part of Bradford's UK City of Culture celebrations.

Its members include a 91-year-old match-day volunteer at the club and a 19-year-old medical student.

The project has been backed by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and former City manager and sports presenter Chris Kamara.

More than 1,000 children took part in the sessions

Garrett said when the choir was formed, the group "never knew what kind of impact we could have".

"Now we've worked with over 1,000 students, aged seven to 11, to promote access to the arts for all and bridge any gaps they face in experiencing cultural and creative opportunities," she said.

"The reaction we've had to the Bantam of the Opera choir has been so overwhelming and positive that we know we have to keep doing this.

"Seeing the young people so engaged with us, united in song, really filled my heart full of joy."

Members of the BBC Singers choir helped lead the workshops

Davinda Rai, on the members of the choir, said: "It's just really nice to give something back to the community."

Olenka Parfaniuk, who is also in the group, said: "It's great showing these kids that anyone can get up and sing because we can."

Peter Davoren, who is a member of the BBC Singers choir and helped lead the sessions, added: "It's just giving people the opportunity to sing. So I'm really happy that we can come to Bradford and do this."

"It reminds me of why I do my job in the first place."

The Bantam of the Opera choir formed at the beginning of the year

When asked if they enjoyed the session, one of the pupils said: "I thought it was really good, I liked how the BBC Singers performed."

Another added: "It was so cool seeing Bradford City fans up there singing.

"My favourite part was when they sang the Bradford City song."

The choirs worked with more than 1,000 Key Stage 2 students from across six schools in the Manningham area of Bradford.

Six schools took part in the workshops

Tom Fay, director of school improvement at the Priestley Academy Trust, said the experience for pupils and staff had been "breath-taking".

"There has been a tangible buzz across our schools, one that could be heard in the chatter of enthusiastic voices echoing through classrooms, corridors, and playgrounds.

"There are few children who can say they have had the chance to sing alongside world class professional vocalists and a beloved local choir, yet our pupils did just that.

"The experience created powerful moments of creativity, confidence, and collaboration that will live long in the memory."

He said it had been a "truly been a unique occasion" that had left a "lasting impression on our beautiful school community".

To follow all the progress of the Bantam of the Opera choir, visit BBC Sounds and search for Bantam of the Opera.