Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebrated with Unique Music Performance in Cornwall
PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
A special concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth comes to Calstock Arts on 8 February with Sense and Musicality: The Love Story of Jane Austen and Music.
Performed by acclaimed Westcountry duo Penelope Appleyard (soprano) and Jonathan Delbridge (square piano), Sense and Musicality explores the vital role music played in Austen’s life. The programme includes music Jane Austen herself played and sang, drawn from the Austen family music books (some written in her own hand), alongside music and composers referenced in her novels.
The performance also features readings from Austen’s letters, particularly those to her sister Cassandra, quotations from her writing, and music from much-loved screen adaptations, offering an intimate portrait of Austen beyond the page. The duo perform on a beautifully restored 1814 Broadwood square piano, the type of instrument Austen would have known.
Calstock Arts is a vibrant arts venue located in the heart of the Tamar Valley village of Calstock. Known for its intimate atmosphere and diverse programming, it welcomes both internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent, serving as a cultural hub for the local community.
Classical music promoter Anne Brown says, “To have a performance of this quality come to Calstock Arts is something truly special. Sense and Musicality is historically resonant, so perfect to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. Opportunities to hear Jane Austen’s own musical world brought to life like this are incredibly rare”
Sense and Musicality has been presented at festivals and historic venues nationwide to great acclaim and featured on BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast Show, with Jane Austen’s House describing the performance as creating “an extraordinary atmosphere… the audience were completely spellbound.”
Musical settings of Jane Austen’s poetry are extremely rare, and this programme aims to bring her words into the concert repertoire in celebration of her landmark anniversary year.
A short taster of the performance is available here:
https://youtu.be/9txKCK12sjk
For tickets, head over to the Whats On page here
