LIVERPOOL singer Jennifer John will sing John Lennon's anti-war anthem, Imagine, at the concert in honour of Condoleezza Rice.
The director of vocal training group Sense of Sound said the choice of whether or not to appear was "not one that could be made lightly".
She said: "There was no way on earth that I was prepared to sing at this event purely for entertainment value. I felt it would have been immoral for me to not make a stand.
"After conversations with Simon Glinn from the Philharmonic we decidedthe only song I could and should sing was Imagine by John Lennon".
As a prominent black woman in the city's arts scene, Ms John said she knew she would be challenged for her decision.
She said: "The opportunity to stand opposite the most powerful black woman in history whose politics I do not share, and sing Imagine, is not something I could refuse."
Other acts also said they would not bow to pressure to pull out.
Terry Coyne of Liverpool Irish Music Ensemble said: ""I support the right of any artist not to perform, but would request acceptance of my exercising my right to participate and understanding my reasons for doing so."
But last night, Mark Holt of Merseyside Stop the War Coalition said: "Perhaps the words of Pablo Picasso, the twentieth century's greatest modern artist may convince you.
"He said artists who deal in spiritual values cannot remain indifferent to a conflict in which the highest values of humanity and civilisation are at stake. I say please cancel the concert."
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