Young singers to compete with R-e-s-p-e-c-t for M-S-O appearance

Photo by Kristen Sayres // Buy this photo

Mei-Ann Chen practices with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Sunday the MSO plays its first free concert at the Memphis Music Magnet at 915 E. McLemore Ave.

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Area students who sing with soul: How would you like to perform Aretha Franklin's hit "Respect" with a great backing band?

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra is having a contest to choose one local singer to perform the song on Jan. 26 during an MSO concert at The Magnet in the Soulsville community.

The competition is open to students with a valid school or college ID from Shelby, Fayette, Lauderdale, Tipton, DeSoto or Crittenden counties.

Applicants should post a performance video of how they'd do the song on the Memphis Symphony Soul Project Facebook page. Videos must be posted by Jan. 11, 2013, at 5 p.m. The performer whose video gets the most "likes" on the page will be chosen. The winner must attend at least one daytime rehearsal that week.

Denise Borton, director of patron engagement and marketing for the symphony, said the competition is part of the Soul Project based in Soulsville that is encouraging youth to participate in the arts. For more information, contact Joseph Salvalaggio at msooboe@hotmail.com.

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