The Music of Jane Austen with the Seattle Symphony

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a singular program, such as The Music of Jane Austen, must be in want of an orchestra. Cue the Seattle Symphony! Dive into the musical and literary universe of Jane Austen through the best-loved film and TV scores of Austen novel adaptations, all performed live by the Seattle Symphony. This world premiere concert presentation draws upon music from the wildly popular 1990s and early 2000s adaptations of Pride and Prejudice (both Carl Davis’s 1995 score and Dario Marianelli’s 2005 score), Emma (Rachel Portman’s 1996 score) and Sense and Sensibility (Patrick Doyle’s 1995 score).

We have some very special guests in store for this world premiere in Seattle! Actress Susannah Harker, who played Jane Bennet in the BBC’s 1995 TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, joins the orchestra as narrator and tour guide on our musical journey through Jane Austen’s world.  And soprano Jane Eaglen, a longtime Seattle Opera favorite who collaborated with composer Patrick Doyle for the 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, makes a special appearance to sing the stunning arias from the film in orchestral versions with the Seattle Symphony.

Rounding out the program will be a selection of works from Jane Austen’s personal music library — everything from George Frideric Handel to Thomas Arne, to sprightly English folk dance music — that show Austen’s deep appreciation for the music of her day.

Presented in cooperation with Europäische FilmPhilharmonie (EFPI).