The Beautiful Game

“Football is the ballet of the masses.” – Dmitri Shostakovich (music composer)

Hosted by Classic FM and sports presenter Karthi Gnanasegaram, who knows her way around a football pitch as well as a stadium anthem!

From terrace chants such as ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Glory Glory Man United’ belted at full volume, to iconic anthems echoing across stadiums, the voices of centuries of die-hard fans have formed the soundtracks for football clubs across the nation.

This concert, performed on pitch at the National Football Museum, celebrates the drama and passion of the nation’s most beloved sport.

Not only does the music of football set the atmosphere alight in stadiums everywhere, but it also proudly embodies the culture and identity of the cities and communities that shape our nation.

The earliest recorded football chant is believed to have been written by composer Sir Edward Elgar in 1898: “He Banged the Leather for Goal”, in tribute to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Billy Malpass.

One of the pieces we will feature is James MacMillan’s Eleven. It begins with the sound of a referee’s whistle before two eleven-note themes are thrown around between wind and strings, as if they are two opposing teams.

In this concert, you’ll enjoy familiar football anthems, a mix of local and international chants, and music inspired by the world’s favourite sport.

Manchester is a city united by football. This concert is a celebration of the music that sets the rhythm and heartbeat to our love for the beautiful game.

(If you have ever won the Premier League or WSL, you can come free of charge.. just get in touch 😉)

There are 2 shows of this concert 6:30 and 8pm. The concert will run approximately 55 mins, and it will be standing. Please email info@manchestercamerata.co.uk if you would like to discuss accessibility requirements.

Programme

• Barry Stoller, arr. Ali Vennart – Theme from the Match of the Day
• Gabriel Fauré – Pavane
• Joseph Haydn – Symphony No.88, Movement 4
• Neil Diamond, arr. Ali Vennart – Sweet Caroline 
• Dmitri Shostakovich, arr. Rudolph Barshai – Chamber Symphony in C minor, Movement 3
• Edward Elgar – ‘Enigma’ Variations, Movement X: ‘Dorabella’ 
• James Macmillan – Eleven 
• K’naan, arr. Ali Vennart – Wavin’ Flag

Performed by

• Conductor Enyi Okpara
• Special Guest Presenter Karthi Gnanasegaram
• Manchester Camerata