The Music of Jane Austen with the Seattle Symphony

The Music of Jane Austen with the Seattle Symphony is an extraordinary cinematic‑orchestral voyage that celebrates the timeless world of Austen through the most beloved film and TV scores. Under the baton of Sunny Xia, the Seattle Symphony performs a dazzling program that fuses the sweeping melodies of Carl Davis’s 1995 “Pride and Prejudice” score and Dario Marianelli’s 2005 rendition, Rachel Portman’s 1996 “Emma” themes, and Patrick Doyle’s 1995 “Sense and Sensibility” music. Each piece is rendered live, allowing concertgoers to experience the emotional depth of Austen’s stories in a fresh, concert setting. The evening is further enriched by special guests speaking in the place of the beloved characters and providing a unique narrative thread: Actress Susannah Harker, who originally portrayed Jane Bennet in the BBC’s 1995 adaptation, guides the audience through Austen’s world as narrator. Soprano Jane Eaglen—known from Seattle Opera and a collaborator with Patrick Doyle on “Sense and Sensibility”—sings the film’s most stunning arias, revisiting them in orchestral form. In addition to the film scores, the program explores Jane Austen’s own musical tastes through selections from her personal library. From Handel and Thomas Arne to lively English folk dance, the orchestra portrays Austen’s affection for the music of her era. Highlights include: - Carl Davis – “Meet the Family” (Pride & Prejudice, 1995) - Dario Marianelli – “Suite” (Pride & Prejudice, 2005) - Patrick Doyle – “Steam Engine,” “My Father’s Favorite,” “Willoughby,” “Patience,” and “Weep You No More” (Sense & Sensibility) - Rachel Portman – “End Title” (Emma, 1996) - Isobel Waller‑Bridge & David Schweitzer – “Emma Suite” (2000) - And a curated set of pieces from Handel, Purcell, Beethoven, and the charming “Songbook” of Jane Austen herself. Presented in cooperation with Europäische Film Philharmonie (EFPI), this world premiere promises to be a memorable, heart‑warming celebration of Austen’s literary legacy, his music, and the art of live performance. Join us for an unforgettable evening where the pages of a classic novel come alive on stage.