Condoleezza Rice, Aretha Franklin to join Mann’s summer lineup
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts released its summer schedule this morning, and one name stands out: the Philadelphia Orchestra will be performing with former Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice.
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts released its summer schedule this morning, and one name stands out: the Philadelphia Orchestra will be performing with former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.
After serving in the White House, Rice’s fall-back career appears to be as a classical pianist.
Rice has played since she was a child, and attracted attention for keeping up the habit while with the Bush administration – even performing for the Queen of England. She will perform Mozart with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Mann director Katherine Cahill says Rice will also back up the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
“Aretha is planning to sing arias, and we understand Rice will accompany her on the piano,” says Cahill. “So, obviously when she plays Mozart, Aretha will not be singing, they will be collaborating both together in the arias that evening as well.”
Another surprise in the Mann summer schedule is the absence of free lawn tickets on its website. The picnic-seating tickets will be made available through the Mann’s community outreach program this season.
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