Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Phyllis Fleming: 'I had the pleasure of playing string quartets at Aretha's Southfield home'


[Aretha Franklin]

Yesterday Reuters carried a Billboard story about the plans of Aretha Franklin, "The Queen of Soul", to sing arias in charity concerts in Southfield, Michigan this summer with Condoleezza Rice, the concert pianist and former Secretary of State. Today we were pleased to hear from an acquaintance, violinist Phyllis Fleming:

“I had the pleasure of playing string quartets at Aretha's Southfield home for a private birthday party back in the 80s. She truly loves classical music. I doubt that the MET will contract her for any upcoming productions. She has many favorite arias and sings them 'her way.'

“I also was called to play in a performance with her at the Washington National Cathedral. It was a fundraising benefit for the National Honor Society. I was shocked. I couldn't imagine what she would sing in that sacred place.” “I soon learned that she would sing exactly what the audience wanted to hear, 'Chain, Chain, Chain', 'Respect', 'Rock Steady' and more! Kathleen Battle was on the same program, but at the last minute, decided not to perform with Aretha's music director and a freelance (albeit union) orchestra. With only a 'same day' warm-up rehearsal, it was too unpredictable.

“Franklin-Rice would be an interesting 'duo.' Who knows? It might somehow contribute to peace in the Middle East!”
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