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Condoleezza Rice is no stranger to the whims of royalty. So when the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, decided the two should get together to play a song or two for charity, it was decreed.

The former US secretary of state and Franklin took the stage Tuesday evening at Philadelphia's Mann Music Center in a rare duet for Rice, the classically trained pianist, and Franklin, the soulful voice of a generation. Their aim was to raise money for urban children and awareness for music and the arts.

"It is a joint effort for the inner-city youth of Philadelphia and Detroit," Franklin said the night before their concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Their appearance in the three-hour concert before an estimated crowd of 8,000 overflowed with Franklin's catalog of hits, and arias from the world of opera and classical music.

"We decided to give it a try," Franklin said. "So here we are, in the city of Brotherly - and Sisterly - Love."

Rice, better known as a diplomat and national security adviser, accompanied Franklin singing her hit I Say A Little Prayer as well as My Country 'Tis of Thee. Rice said she practiced furiously for her performance of Mozart's Piano Concerto in D Minor with the orchestra.

Rice's given name is derived from the Italian opera stage instruction con dolcezza, meaning "with sweetness." Long a musician of note, she played from elementary school through college and beyond, in quartets and performing chamber music. She has even played with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. But, she said this was "the first time I've played with an orchestra since I was 18."

When she learned that Rice played classical music, Franklin sent for one of her recordings "to hear what she sounded like."

Previously, she said, "All I had seen of Dr. Rice was in a political atmosphere. It just seemed foreign that she would be a classical pianist."

"She really does play," Franklin said. "She's formidable."

The two met at a White House function, Rice recalled. "We were just talking and chatting and she said, 'You play, don't you?' And I said, 'Yes.' And she said we should do something together."

Both women lauded each other's talents, and abilities, but Rice made it clear she'll leave the singing to Franklin.

去听写专区一展身手

（中国日报网英语点津 Helen 编辑）

About the broadcaster:

Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is fluent in Korean and has a 2-year-old son.