Bradford 'Bantam of the Opera' singers selected

Fifty people have been chosen to be part of the "Bantam of the Opera" choir formed by BBC Radio Leeds in celebration of Bradford's year as UK City of Culture.

The group of Bradford City fans will come together to perform for a new BBC series named after the choir.

The singers include a survivor of the 1985 fire at the club's Valley Parade ground and a player from the disability team.

They will be supported by composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, opera singer Lesley Garrett and sports commentator and TV presenter Chris Kamara.

Vito Cilenti, 65, a season ticket holder and lifelong Bradford City fan, has been following the Bantams throughout the club's ups and downs.

He was there when the stadium fire killed 56 spectators in the final match of the season against Lincoln City.

"It was a glorious sunny day but cold and windy and I was so excited to have made it," Mr Cilenti said.

"The ground was buzzing with noise and anticipation.

"I managed to grab one of the last remaining seats in block G and within 40 minutes my euphoria had turned to hell and panic with me frantically scrambling over seats or anything in front of me to get onto the safety of the pitch.

"I thankfully did and feeling the intense heat through my jacket made me realise just how fortunate I had been."

Mr Cilenti is an opera fan through his Italian heritage, but it was a cancer diagnosis that inspired him to do something different.

"I was diagnosed with lymphoma this time last year and thankfully am now in early remission," he said.

"I would have never considered applying for anything like this but going through cancer has made me think opportunities have to be taken in life.

"To be able to take part in such a once in a life time wonderful experience would be amazing and shock my family and friends."

Another lifelong Bantam chosen to sing at the stadium is Bali Briscoe, 49, an assistant manager at restaurant Nando's.

She said: "I tried to get the hubby and my three kids involved but they said 'you're on your own mum', so I thought, why not?

"I'm always up for a laugh and I love team spirit. I may not be a soprano but I'll definitely give it a good go."

Joining Mr Cilenti and Mrs Briscoe are father and son Steve and Matthew Robinson.

Matthew, 22, played for the Bradford disability football team and has been to Germany and Ireland for tournaments.

He said: "I have Down's syndrome and my dad, who cares for me, can't sing, but he makes a lot of noise at the football."

He is on a three-year course at Mind the Gap, a learning disability performance and live arts company, and his dream is to meet Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Steve, 62, said he started taking his son to the Bradford Disability Football Club when he was eight years old to keep him fit.

"I am now one of the match day managers for the club and have been with them to tournaments all around the country and beyond."

He added: "I am hoping this project will improve my singing and other Bradford fans' singing so we sound better on a Saturday afternoon."

Bradford City FC agreed to support the call out for singers with two community outreach events at Valley Parade in January.

Garrett, an ambassador for the Bantams choir, said the campaign was a "phenomenal opportunity to show that classical and operatic music is available to enjoy for everyone".

She said: "Opera is the most passionate form of singing there is and having heard the Bantams chanting on the terraces at Valley Parade, I know they have so much passion for their club and the city they call home."

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