Where Music Meets Story
Nashville Symphony + International Black Film Festival
Nashville Symphony | Anthony Parnther, conductor
The Nashville Symphony and the International Black Film Festival will celebrate the legendary “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin with RESPECT in Concert on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026. The cinematic concert experience will include a screening of the film with a live score performed by the Nashville Symphony.
Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a young child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice and become the Queen of Soul. The film, which was released in 2021, starred Jennifer Hudson and was directed by Liesl Tommy. The screenplay was written by Tracey Scott Wilson.
Rated PG-13
*Please note: Jennifer Hudson will not appear live at this event.
Film has always relied on music to elevate emotion, deepen storytelling, and create unforgettable moments. Long after audiences forget a line of dialogue, they often remember the music that made them feel something. A great score doesn't simply accompany a film—it becomes part of its identity.
Few artists embody that emotional power more than Aretha Franklin. RESPECT chronicles her remarkable journey from singing in her father's church to becoming the legendary Queen of Soul. Seeing her story unfold with a live symphony orchestra transforms an already powerful film into an immersive celebration of music, storytelling, and cultural legacy.
This collaboration reflects the shared mission of both organizations: to create experiences that inspire, educate, and bring communities together through the arts. While the International Black Film Festival champions independent filmmakers and diverse voices from around the world, the Nashville Symphony continues to demonstrate how orchestral music can connect audiences across generations and artistic disciplines.
Join us as we celebrate the power of music, the magic of film, and the partnerships that make experiences like this possible.
RESPECT In Concert
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • 7:30 PM
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Our partnership has already proven what is possible.
In 2025, the Nashville Symphony and IBFF welcomed a sold-out audience for Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues Experience, an unforgettable evening that blended cinematic storytelling, live Blues performances, and the full power of the orchestra. That remarkable event celebrated the cultural roots of American music while showcasing what can happen when visionary arts organizations collaborate.
Now, we continue that tradition with another extraordinary event. Whether you're a lifelong film lover, a devoted music enthusiast, or discovering IBFF for the first time, RESPECT In Concert offers a unique opportunity to experience storytelling in its most immersive form—where every note, every frame, and every performance reminds us why the arts continue to move us.
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