Advertisement

Aretha Franklin cancels Chicago Symphony Orchestra fundraiser concert

Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
(Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press)
Share via

R&B star Janelle Monáe will step in for an ailing Aretha Franklin at an upcoming concert with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Franklin was under doctor’s orders to withdraw from the May 20 “Corporate Night” fundraiser, according to the orchestra’s website.

CSO representatives said the 71-year-old singer will be undergoing medical treatment at that time; they did not elaborate on her health.

Advertisement

CHEAT SHEET: Spring Arts Preview

Franklin, who missed shows in 2010 for unspecified medial reasons, also canceled a May 26 show at Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Connecticut.

For her Windy City performance, Monáe, perhaps best known for her duet with the pop band Fun., will reprise a program of orchestra adaptations of her songs she’ll debut this week with the San Francisco Symphony.

Advertisement

Now in its 24thyear, the Corporate Night fundraiser pairs CSO musicians with pop, jazz and R&B greats to benefit the orchestra and its community engagement programs.

ALSO:

Attendance for Broadway touring shows continues to dip

Advertisement

Beyond Bieber: ‘The Simpsons’ sends Bart to classical piano lessons

Review: Dudamel keeps things light in Bach, Mozart and Mendelssohn

Advertisement