Emeli Sandé to join Mica Paris in stunning celebration of Aretha Franklin at True North Festival

Aberdeen’s own international singing sensation Emeli Sandé will join soul superstar Mica Paris for a celebration of the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin as they close True North Festival at the Music Hall in Aberdeen on Sunday, September 25.

The one of a kind evening, will see Mica and Emeli, joined by other special guests, leading the way through the iconic singer’s classic repertoire in one unforgettable night.

Emeli said: “”I am so excited to be joining the incredible Mica Paris at the True North Music Festival in my home town to celebrate the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin! It’s going to be a powerful evening of Soul!”

Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive, Andy Eagle said: “Emeli is no stranger to the Music Hall, having grown up in Aberdeenshire as well as being an ambassador for the venue during its renovation in recent years.

“Along with Mica, they are two of the strongest female voices on the British music scene, and to have them come together to celebrate the music of the sublime Aretha Franklin is really something special.

The songs in Aretha Franklin’s repertoire are the cornerstone of soul music, and we are so thrilled to be setting the stage for what is sure to be an extraordinary evening of great music.”

With previous True North curated concerts celebrating the music of Neil Young, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder and Kate Bush among others, this concert at True North has become a highlight of the festival and a firm favourite among audiences.

Emeli Sandé is one of Britain’s most successful living songwriters. Her debut album Our Version of Events, which sold over 5.4 million copies to date, was the biggest selling album in the UK of 2012 and the second biggest selling of 2013, and is certified platinum eight times in the UK and Ireland. Emeli followed it with critically acclaimed Long Live The Angels in 2016, the Kingdom Coming EP in 2017 and Real Life which hit the top 10 in 2019. With 19 million singles sold including 3 x UK No. 1 singles, 6 million albums and four BRIT awards (including Best Female twice), Emeli received an MBE for Services to Music in 2018 and in July 2019 she became the University of Sunderland’s Chancellor.

True North Festival will take place in venues across Aberdeen from September 22-25, with previously announced acts including Scottish alt-rockers Travis and internationally renowned composer Nitin Sawhney.

The Fringe line up, taking place across venues including the Music Hall’s Coda Café, Waterstones and Siberia, features a line up of some of Scotland’s brightest talents, including Callum Gibson, Nani, Nikhita, Adam Thom and Michael Timmons.

Full details of the Line up for True North Festival are available at www.truenorthfestival.co.uk.

Tickets are on sale now, available here, phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall.