The English National Opera in London has launched ENO Breathe, a personalized six-week singing program for patients recovering from COVID-19. Developed with Imperial College NHS Trust, it empowers long-haulers to breathe more comfortably.
While many COVID-19 patients recover swiftly, others endure symptoms for months, including persistent fatigue that can lead to further health issues. A September 2020 study by St James's Hospital in Dublin documented ongoing fatigue in recovering patients—a condition now known as long COVID, whose medium- and long-term impacts are still being explored.
To address long COVID, the English National Opera provides tailored singing lessons. Participants refine their posture, practice targeted breathing exercises, warm up their voices, and strengthen facial muscles.
Delivered via Zoom by expert vocal coaches—many from the Royal Academy of Music—these sessions optimize lung capacity, often diminished by the virus, while teaching anxiety management. "If you are experiencing a moment of deep breathlessness associated with anxiety, there are exercises you can do to help slow and regulate your breathing and give your brain a chance to catch up," says project director Suzi Zumpe.
ENO Breathe emerged in summer 2020 as long COVID cases rose, bringing symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. English National Opera manager Jenny Mollica recognized the opera's unique potential to assist.
Consider 56-year-old Cameron, whose doctor prescribed these lessons during recovery. Stricken in March 2020, he faced severe complications including blood clots and breathing difficulties. He reports substantial physical and mental gains from the program.
Now expanding to UK post-COVID clinics, ENO Breathe aims to support around 1,000 patients. A randomized study is underway to rigorously assess singing therapy's benefits.
