Pops Season Opener: Natural Woman: Sheléa Sings Aretha Franklin
LOCATION
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
ARTISTS
JEFF TYZIK, CONDUCTOR
SHELÉA, VOCALS
SHELANA WILSON
backup vocals
LAURHAN BEATO
backup vocals
NELSON RAPHAEL BEATO JR.
backup vocals
PAUL HOFMANN
piano
DARIUSZ TEREFENKO
keys
JEFF CAMPBELL
bass
GABRIEL CONDON
guitar
PROGRAM
J. B. F. WRIGHT (Arr. Tim Davies)
MORRIS BROADNAX, CLARENCE PAUL & STEVIE WONDER (Arr. Jochen Neuffer)
Until You Come Back To Me
AHMET ERTEGUN & BETTY NELSON (Arr. Neuffer)
ARETHA FRANKLIN & TED WHITE (Arr. Tommy Laurence)
Dr. Feelgood
DON COVAY (Arr. Rob Taggert)
LEONARD BERNSTEIN & STEPHEN SONDHEIM (Arr. Laurence)
OTIS REDDING (Arr. Tom Richards)
BURT BACHARACH & HAL DAVID (Arr. Smith, Adp. Thornton)
CURTIS MAYFIELD (Arr. Richards)
Sparkle
SIMON CLIMIE & DENNIS MORGAN (Arr. Tom Walsh)
I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)
ARETHA FRANKLIN (Arr. Richards)
JOHN NEWTON & WILLIAM WALKER (Arr. Neuffer)
CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN & JERRY WEXLER (Arr. Neuffer)
OTIS REDDING (Arr. Richards)
DESCRIPTION
Series sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets 
Sponsored by Grace & Disgrace 
Experience the power, passion, and unmistakable sound of the Queen of Soul as the RPO and powerhouse vocalist Sheléa bring the timeless music of Aretha Franklin to the stage. This electrifying concert celebrates one of the most influential voices in American music, featuring iconic songs that defined generations—including Respect, Chain of Fools, Say a Little Prayer, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Backed by the full symphonic sound of your RPO, this program honors Aretha’s extraordinary artistry, emotional depth, and enduring cultural impact, blending gospel roots, soulful grooves, and unforgettable melodies into one exhilarating evening. The music comes alive in a powerful tribute that captures the joy, resilience, and brilliance that made Aretha Franklin a legend.
This is an Orchestrators concert. Learn more about becoming an Orchestrator.
RPO Recommends…
If you like pop music you can hear on the radio, check out Classical Mystery Tour.
If you like female vocalists, join us for Wickedly Broadway.
LISTEN
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