The worlds of opera and football are set to collide on a grand scale in Greater Manchester as 400 local voices unite for a unique musical celebration. Co-created by the English National Opera and Salford-based outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank, the spectacular finale event, titled Perfect Pitch, will take place on Saturday 6 June 2026. Staged at Salford’s popular We Invented the Weekend festival, this free outdoor performance comes just one week ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup.
The massive community choir, comprised of football fans and amateur singers from across Greater Manchester, has been working on the project since January 2025. This spectacular culmination brings together local community choirs, passionate football supporters, and elite ENO artists for an unforgettable mass performance inspired by the beautiful game.
At the absolute heart of the performance is Puccini’s iconic aria, ‘Nessun Dorma’, a piece forever linked to football heritage through the 1990 World Cup. It will be performed live by international tenor Luis Gomes alongside the full Chorus of the English National Opera. The production promises to be highly theatrical, with the ENO Chorus making a dramatic entrance via Salford’s waterfront aboard the Princess Katherine boat, setting the stage for a playful operatic penalty shoot-out. The event will also feature local women’s football teams, special guest appearances, and a dramatic prize-giving ceremony complete with visual effects and a giant golden trophy.
Other classical arrangements will be delivered by the 400-strong choir, supported by ENO soprano Alison Langer and baritone Dan D-Souza. Members of participating local groups, including the Bury Fire Choir and PopVox Choir, have shared their excitement about breaking down traditional barriers and bringing the electric energy of the football terraces to classical music. This ambitious production highlights the ENO's commitment to its pioneering partnership with Greater Manchester, delivering dynamic, accessible work that resonates with diverse communities and celebrates inclusion, creativity, and the power of collaboration.
