Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), a leading entertainment company focused on the production of premium film and television content across platforms, and global film and TV studio Fifth Season and its Fifth Season Live division, announced the launch of a new live ‘Films in Concert Series’ – Respect in Concert, featuring MGM’s acclaimed film, Respect. Set to launch Winter 2023, for the first time ever, audiences around the country will be able to experience the iconic music of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin featured in Respect, performed live by a full symphony orchestra played in sync to the film as the audiences watch on larger than life screens.
The concert series premieres January 4 at Orchestra Hall in Detroit, Michigan, Franklin’s hometown. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will accompany the film, which follows the rise of Franklin’s career from a young child singing in her father’s church choir, to her global superstardom. Respect is the remarkable true story of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honoree’s journey to find her voice and become the Queen of Soul. Additional markets will be announced at a future date.
The partnership with Fifth Season Live is part of MGM’s overall strategy to grow their portfolio of live events and immersive experiences that let fans enjoy their favorite movies and characters well beyond the silver screen. As producers and licensors of the film for the symphonic format, Respect in Concert joins Fifth Season Live’s portfolio of more than 20 live music experiences including, Love Actually In Concert, Rocketman In Concert, How The Grinch Stole Christmas In Concert, Steve Hackman and many more.
Robert Marick, Executive Vice President Global Consumer Products and Experiences, MGM, said, “Creating a live concert event with Fifth Season for this critically acclaimed biopic celebrating the life of Aretha Franklin is an opportunity for us to create another exciting touchpoint for fans of the music icon. Launching the very first concert in Aretha’s hometown of Detroit with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is also the perfect way to kick off this tour.”
Matt Levin, Fifth Season Live executive, said, “We are extremely excited to partner with MGM on bringing to audiences and fans around the world, this acclaimed film featuring the amazing song catalogue of Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin accompanied by the world’s best symphonies. We’re thrilled to kick off 2023 with this event and look forward to curating the best film and music collaborations to provide audiences with an unforgettable experience.”