Politics to piano: Condoleezza Rice duets with Aretha

Most people are familiar with Condoleezza Rice through her work in the political sphere.

Lesser known are her musical accomplishments – the former US secretary of state is also a highly talented classical pianist.

And on Tuesday evening, she joined the queen of soul herself, Aretha Franklin, on stage for a stunning collaboration.

Accompanied by the Philadelphia Orchestra, the pair delighted the audience with their appearance during the three hour concert, which was held in the city's Mann Music Centre to help raise money for charity.

Condoleezza accompanied Aretha on the ivories for two songs, the smash hit I Say A Little Prayer and My County 'Tis of Thee.

Earlier, she performed a selection from Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor with the orchestra, for which she said she had practised furiously.

While she was lauded by Aretha for her talents, the Alabama-born politician - who gave a piano recital for the Queen in 2008 – admitted she was happy to leave the singing side of things to her companion.

"You do not want to hear me sing!" she said. "I'm a good choir musician, but I think I will stick to playing the piano."