Mannheim Soul Voices - Celebrating Aretha Franklin, Vol. 2

What a success last year! The audience stood and called for encore after encore - until the promise came: in 2026 we will celebrate the "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, once again.

Few artists have shaped pop music over so many decades like this world star from Memphis, Tennessee. Her path led her to the greatest stages in the world and gave countless songs her unmistakable character. With her world hit "Respect", Aretha Franklin became an icon of both the African American civil rights movement and the women's movement. She sang at Martin Luther King's funeral, she moved Barack Obama to tears. Every song she performed, she turned into an emotional masterpiece, regardless of genre. She gave her last full concert just a year before her death.

To celebrate this exceptional artist, three outstanding singers from the Mannheim music scene - Silke Hauck, Susan Horn and Helena Paul - have joined forces. Each has worked over the years to establish a firm place in the region and beyond, and each has a special relationship with Aretha Franklin. With their own perspective on the First Lady of Soul and their distinctive vocal colours, they will create a powerful musical fireworks display of Aretha Franklin's rich repertoire in summer 2026.

The singers are accompanied by a top-class orchestra featuring pianist Konrad Hinsken, guitarist Stefan Kahne and a rhythm section with bassist Dominik Bornhorn and drummer Michael Germer.

Park admission from 16:00 is included in the ticket price.