Aretha Franklin cancels Chicago Symphony Orchestra fundraiser concert

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.

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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.

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.

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