Thursday, September 24, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
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Thursday, September 24, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, September 26, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, September 27, 2026 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Friday, October 2, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, October 3, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, October 4, 2026 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, October 22, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, October 24, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, November 5, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, November 7, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, November 12, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, November 14, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, November 15, 2026 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, November 19, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, November 21, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, November 22, 2026 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Friday, December 4, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, December 5, 2026 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, December 6, 2026 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, January 28, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, January 30, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, February 4, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, February 6, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, February 7, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, February 11, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, February 13, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Friday, February 19, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, February 20, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, February 21, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Tuesday, February 23, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, February 25, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, February 27, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, February 28, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, March 11, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, March 13, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, March 18, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, March 20, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, March 21, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, April 1, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, April 8, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, April 10, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, April 15, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, April 17, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, April 18, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, April 22, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, April 24, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, April 25, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, April 29, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, May 1, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, May 13, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Friday, May 14, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, May 15, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, June 3, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, June 5, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, June 6, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Friday, June 11, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, June 12, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, June 13, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, June 17, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, June 19, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, June 20, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Thursday, June 24, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Saturday, June 26, 2027 8:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, November 1, 2026 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Monday, November 2, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, January 10, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Monday, January 11, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Tuesday, January 12, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, February 14, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Monday, February 15, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Tuesday, February 16, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, March 7, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Monday, March 8, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Tuesday, March 9, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, April 11, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Monday, April 12, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Tuesday, April 13, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Sunday, May 16, 2027 2:00 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Monday, May 17, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Tuesday, May 18, 2027 7:30 PM
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
In Xian’s sophomore season as music director, she starts the Symphonic Series with a dose of Romantic-era firepower in Bruch and Berlioz. The program opens with brilliant soloist James Ehnes joining the orchestra for Bruch’s soaring First Violin Concerto, famed for its hypnotic and tender adagio. Bruch provided no cadenzas for any of the movements, believing the concerto’s “virtuosity” was inherent in its shimmering beauty. Then, the ultimate orchestral fever dream: Berlioz’s darkly autobiographical Symphonie fantastique. Originally titled Episode in the Life of an Artist, its dynamic spectrum of moods and adventurous orchestration was unprecedented at the time. Berlioz said he composed it in “a mental boil” and it’s filled with unforgettable moments, including our first reference to this season’s “nature” theme in the third movement’s Scene in the country.
In Xian’s sophomore season as music director, she starts the Symphonic Series with a dose of Romantic-era firepower in Bruch and Berlioz. The program opens with brilliant soloist James Ehnes joining the orchestra for Bruch’s soaring First Violin Concerto, famed for its hypnotic and tender adagio. Bruch provided no cadenzas for any of the movements, believing the concerto’s “virtuosity” was inherent in its shimmering beauty. Then, the ultimate orchestral fever dream: Berlioz’s darkly autobiographical Symphonie fantastique. Originally titled Episode in the Life of an Artist, its dynamic spectrum of moods and adventurous orchestration was unprecedented at the time. Berlioz said he composed it in “a mental boil” and it’s filled with unforgettable moments, including our first reference to this season’s “nature” theme in the third movement’s Scene in the country.
In Xian’s sophomore season as music director, she starts the Symphonic Series with a dose of Romantic-era firepower in Bruch and Berlioz. The program opens with brilliant soloist James Ehnes joining the orchestra for Bruch’s soaring First Violin Concerto, famed for its hypnotic and tender adagio. Bruch provided no cadenzas for any of the movements, believing the concerto’s “virtuosity” was inherent in its shimmering beauty. Then, the ultimate orchestral fever dream: Berlioz’s darkly autobiographical Symphonie fantastique. Originally titled Episode in the Life of an Artist, its dynamic spectrum of moods and adventurous orchestration was unprecedented at the time. Berlioz said he composed it in “a mental boil” and it’s filled with unforgettable moments, including our first reference to this season’s “nature” theme in the third movement’s Scene in the country.
Immerse yourself in the world of legendary Oscar-winning composer Ennio Morricone, with musical selections from Morricone’s most celebrated film scores — Cinema Paradiso, The Mission, The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in the West and more. This program blends live symphonic performance with curated film clips and exclusive interviews with actors and directors, plus exclusive footage with Morricone himself.
Presented by Schirmer Theatrical in collaboration with Musica e Oltre The Official Ennio Morricone Legacy Company and Wise Music Group, representing the worldwide hire catalogue of Morricone.
Immerse yourself in the world of legendary Oscar-winning composer Ennio Morricone, with musical selections from Morricone’s most celebrated film scores — Cinema Paradiso, The Mission, The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in the West and more. This program blends live symphonic performance with curated film clips and exclusive interviews with actors and directors, plus exclusive footage with Morricone himself.
Presented by Schirmer Theatrical in collaboration with Musica e Oltre The Official Ennio Morricone Legacy Company and Wise Music Group, representing the worldwide hire catalogue of Morricone.
Immerse yourself in the world of legendary Oscar-winning composer Ennio Morricone, with musical selections from Morricone’s most celebrated film scores — Cinema Paradiso, The Mission, The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in the West and more. This program blends live symphonic performance with curated film clips and exclusive interviews with actors and directors, plus exclusive footage with Morricone himself.
Presented by Schirmer Theatrical in collaboration with Musica e Oltre The Official Ennio Morricone Legacy Company and Wise Music Group, representing the worldwide hire catalogue of Morricone.
Conductor Emeritus Ludovic Morlot returns for a program featuring three orchestral works from three different centuries that continue our season-long exploration of the natural world. British composer Frank Bridge brings a dissonant, fluttering zest to his 1920s-era Enter Spring, an ecstatic reawakening of the English countryside with all its color and birdsong. Pianist and contemporary music advocate Conor Hanick performs Samuel Adams’ No Such Spring piano concerto, a work that dramatizes spring’s violent conflicts as much as its flowering beauty. And Robert Schumann’s jubilant, Romantic Symphony No. 1, “Spring,” was written in the middle of winter, evoking anticipation for the turning of the season and reveling in the fleeting blooms that finally burst forth.
Conductor Emeritus Ludovic Morlot returns for a program featuring three orchestral works from three different centuries that continue our season-long exploration of the natural world. British composer Frank Bridge brings a dissonant, fluttering zest to his 1920s-era Enter Spring, an ecstatic reawakening of the English countryside with all its color and birdsong. Pianist and contemporary music advocate Conor Hanick performs Samuel Adams’ No Such Spring piano concerto, a work that dramatizes spring’s violent conflicts as much as its flowering beauty. And Robert Schumann’s jubilant, Romantic Symphony No. 1, “Spring,” was written in the middle of winter, evoking anticipation for the turning of the season and reveling in the fleeting blooms that finally burst forth.
Pianist Paul Lewis makes his Benaroya Hall debut, opening the In Recital Series with an insightfully themed solo program. Using Mozart’s piano sonatas as inspiration, Lewis shines a spotlight on works by Chopin and Schubert and reveals how these musical threads all trace back to Mozart.
In between The Firebird and The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky completed yet another work for ballet, Petrushka, quoting Russian folk songs and a French ditty amid original melodies, shimmering orchestral textures and masterful instrumentation. In this lively work, a flute-playing showman charms three puppets to life — among them, the awkward clown Petrushka. The traditional folk music of southern Poland pervades Szymanowski’s Second Violin Concerto, performed by expressively dazzling violinist Leila Josefowicz. Jonathan Stockhammer conducts the program, which opens with Unsuk Chin’s Rocaná (Room of Light), a musical “translation” of light phenomena, meant to depict the behavior of beams of light: their distortion, refraction, reflections and undulations.
In between The Firebird and The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky completed yet another work for ballet, Petrushka, quoting Russian folk songs and a French ditty amid original melodies, shimmering orchestral textures and masterful instrumentation. In this lively work, a flute-playing showman charms three puppets to life — among them, the awkward clown Petrushka. The traditional folk music of southern Poland pervades Szymanowski’s Second Violin Concerto, performed by expressively dazzling violinist Leila Josefowicz. Jonathan Stockhammer conducts the program, which opens with Unsuk Chin’s Rocaná (Room of Light), a musical “translation” of light phenomena, meant to depict the behavior of beams of light: their distortion, refraction, reflections and undulations.
Feel the full might of the orchestra as Music Director Xian Zhang brings two monumental pieces from the classical canon to the Benaroya Hall stage. Rising piano superstar Tony Siqi Yun makes his Seattle Symphony debut with one of the most iconic piano concertos ever composed, Tchaikovsky’s First. This beloved masterpiece is a grand display of Romantic virtuosity that draws on Ukrainian, French and Russian folk and popular song. Then, the orchestra tackles Strauss’ still-ubiquitous, landmark tone poem, Also sprach Zarathustra. Based on Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical work of the same name, it pushed the boundaries of music and is indelibly associated with Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Feel the full might of the orchestra as Music Director Xian Zhang brings two monumental pieces from the classical canon to the Benaroya Hall stage. Rising piano superstar Tony Siqi Yun makes his Seattle Symphony debut with one of the most iconic piano concertos ever composed, Tchaikovsky’s First. This beloved masterpiece is a grand display of Romantic virtuosity that draws on Ukrainian, French and Russian folk and popular song. Then, the orchestra tackles Strauss’ still-ubiquitous, landmark tone poem, Also sprach Zarathustra. Based on Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical work of the same name, it pushed the boundaries of music and is indelibly associated with Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Feel the full might of the orchestra as Music Director Xian Zhang brings two monumental pieces from the classical canon to the Benaroya Hall stage. Rising piano superstar Tony Siqi Yun makes his Seattle Symphony debut with one of the most iconic piano concertos ever composed, Tchaikovsky’s First. This beloved masterpiece is a grand display of Romantic virtuosity that draws on Ukrainian, French and Russian folk and popular song. Then, the orchestra tackles Strauss’ still-ubiquitous, landmark tone poem, Also sprach Zarathustra. Based on Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical work of the same name, it pushed the boundaries of music and is indelibly associated with Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
The Seattle Symphony Chorale joins Xian and the orchestra for Mozart’s majestic Requiem, moving from fiery to fragile, from towering drama to heartache and tenderness. Though the work was left incomplete when he died, the compositional sketches Mozart made were faithfully completed posthumously. The resulting work is a showpiece for chorus and soloists that has been featured in film soundtracks ranging from Amadeus to The Big Lebowski. Opening the concert, our very own Principal Timpani Eric Schweikert takes center stage for the world premiere and Seattle Symphony co-commission of a Timpani Concerto by acclaimed percussionist Joseph Pereira.
The Seattle Symphony Chorale joins Xian and the orchestra for Mozart’s majestic Requiem, moving from fiery to fragile, from towering drama to heartache and tenderness. Though the work was left incomplete when he died, the compositional sketches Mozart made were faithfully completed posthumously. The resulting work is a showpiece for chorus and soloists that has been featured in film soundtracks ranging from Amadeus to The Big Lebowski. Opening the concert, our very own Principal Timpani Eric Schweikert takes center stage for the world premiere and Seattle Symphony co-commission of a Timpani Concerto by acclaimed percussionist Joseph Pereira.
The Seattle Symphony Chorale joins Xian and the orchestra for Mozart’s majestic Requiem, moving from fiery to fragile, from towering drama to heartache and tenderness. Though the work was left incomplete when he died, the compositional sketches Mozart made were faithfully completed posthumously. The resulting work is a showpiece for chorus and soloists that has been featured in film soundtracks ranging from Amadeus to The Big Lebowski. Opening the concert, our very own Principal Timpani Eric Schweikert takes center stage for the world premiere and Seattle Symphony co-commission of a Timpani Concerto by acclaimed percussionist Joseph Pereira.
Celebrate the merriest season with Broadway and TV star Megan Hilty as she joins her hometown orchestra for a joyful program of holiday classics and spirited carols. It's the most wonderful time of the year at Benaroya Hall!
Celebrate the merriest season with Broadway and TV star Megan Hilty as she joins her hometown orchestra for a joyful program of holiday classics and spirited carols. It's the most wonderful time of the year at Benaroya Hall!
Celebrate the merriest season with Broadway and TV star Megan Hilty as she joins her hometown orchestra for a joyful program of holiday classics and spirited carols. It's the most wonderful time of the year at Benaroya Hall!
The Seattle Symphony pays homage to two iconic composers of the Classical era. The program includes the first and last of Franz Joseph Haydn’s six Paris Symphonies, which overflow with wit, good humor and panache: his Symphony No. 82 (known as the “Bear” for its rollicking finale) and Symphony No. 87, the latter receiving its Seattle Symphony premiere performance. In between is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at his most elegant in the Piano Concerto No. 25, featuring world-renowned soloist Emanuel Ax, followed by the beloved, effervescent, all-strings serenade, Eine kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music), which, in the 21st century, remains among the most frequently performed of all classical compositions.
The Seattle Symphony pays homage to two iconic composers of the Classical era. The program includes the first and last of Franz Joseph Haydn’s six Paris Symphonies, which overflow with wit, good humor and panache: his Symphony No. 82 (known as the “Bear” for its rollicking finale) and Symphony No. 87, the latter receiving its Seattle Symphony premiere performance. In between is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at his most elegant in the Piano Concerto No. 25, featuring world-renowned soloist Emanuel Ax, followed by the beloved, effervescent, all-strings serenade, Eine kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music), which, in the 21st century, remains among the most frequently performed of all classical compositions.
Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony is an epic “Symphony in Four Scenes” based on a Gothic poem by Lord Byron. Tchaikovsky broodingly dramatizes Manfred’s guilty torment over an unnamed sin. In an attempt to forget his past, Manfred seeks solace in nature, wandering the Swiss Alps, witnessing the majesty of the mountain landscapes and meeting its inhabitants, mortal and imagined. Will these visions help him to find peace? A paean to individualism and a rarely performed masterpiece full of drama and emotional turbulence, the Manfred is one of Tchaikovsky’s most awe-inspiring works. In contrast are two shorter pieces featuring brilliant saxophonist Steven Banks, who first made his Seattle Symphony debut in 2025 with Xian conducting. Banks reunites with Xian and the orchestra to perform Ibert’s sprightly 1935 Concertino da camera for alto saxophone and Banks’ own composition, Come As You Are, a moving ode to family, spirituality and Black sacred music.
Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony is an epic “Symphony in Four Scenes” based on a Gothic poem by Lord Byron. Tchaikovsky broodingly dramatizes Manfred’s guilty torment over an unnamed sin. In an attempt to forget his past, Manfred seeks solace in nature, wandering the Swiss Alps, witnessing the majesty of the mountain landscapes and meeting its inhabitants, mortal and imagined. Will these visions help him to find peace? A paean to individualism and a rarely performed masterpiece full of drama and emotional turbulence, the Manfred is one of Tchaikovsky’s most awe-inspiring works. In contrast are two shorter pieces featuring brilliant saxophonist Steven Banks, who first made his Seattle Symphony debut in 2025 with Xian conducting. Banks reunites with Xian and the orchestra to perform Ibert’s sprightly 1935 Concertino da camera for alto saxophone and Banks’ own composition, Come As You Are, a moving ode to family, spirituality and Black sacred music.
Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony is an epic “Symphony in Four Scenes” based on a Gothic poem by Lord Byron. Tchaikovsky broodingly dramatizes Manfred’s guilty torment over an unnamed sin. In an attempt to forget his past, Manfred seeks solace in nature, wandering the Swiss Alps, witnessing the majesty of the mountain landscapes and meeting its inhabitants, mortal and imagined. Will these visions help him to find peace? A paean to individualism and a rarely performed masterpiece full of drama and emotional turbulence, the Manfred is one of Tchaikovsky’s most awe-inspiring works. In contrast are two shorter pieces featuring brilliant saxophonist Steven Banks, who first made his Seattle Symphony debut in 2025 with Xian conducting. Banks reunites with Xian and the orchestra to perform Ibert’s sprightly 1935 Concertino da camera for alto saxophone and Banks’ own composition, Come As You Are, a moving ode to family, spirituality and Black sacred music.
Music Director Xian Zhang conducts a celebration of scintillating Spanish and South American dance rhythms. Édouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, featuring Concertmaster Noah Geller as the soloist, explores flamenco and other dance motifs of the Iberian Peninsula. Originally a ballet, but heard here as a suite, Alberto Ginastera’s Four Dances from Estancia utilizes sophisticated folk rhythms to evoke various aspects of life in the Argentinian countryside. Lastly, we hear from Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, whose brief and only visit to southern Spain during a naval tour captivated his senses; the vibrant music he heard on the streets of Andalucía inspired his Capriccio espagnole.
Music Director Xian Zhang conducts a celebration of scintillating Spanish and South American dance rhythms. Édouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, featuring Concertmaster Noah Geller as the soloist, explores flamenco and other dance motifs of the Iberian Peninsula. Originally a ballet, but heard here as a suite, Alberto Ginastera’s Four Dances from Estancia utilizes sophisticated folk rhythms to evoke various aspects of life in the Argentinian countryside. Lastly, we hear from Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, whose brief and only visit to southern Spain during a naval tour captivated his senses; the vibrant music he heard on the streets of Andalucía inspired his Capriccio espagnole.
Celebrate the legendary collaboration between composer John Williams and filmmaker Steven Spielberg as the Seattle Symphony brings to life some of the most iconic music from 50 years of Spielberg-Williams collaborations. Embark on unforgettable adventures from Jurassic Park to Jaws, Indiana Jones to Hook, Close Encounters of the Third Kind to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial through the music that has left an indelible mark on our collective cinematic memories.
Celebrate the legendary collaboration between composer John Williams and filmmaker Steven Spielberg as the Seattle Symphony brings to life some of the most iconic music from 50 years of Spielberg-Williams collaborations. Embark on unforgettable adventures from Jurassic Park to Jaws, Indiana Jones to Hook, Close Encounters of the Third Kind to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial through the music that has left an indelible mark on our collective cinematic memories.
Celebrate the legendary collaboration between composer John Williams and filmmaker Steven Spielberg as the Seattle Symphony brings to life some of the most iconic music from 50 years of Spielberg-Williams collaborations. Embark on unforgettable adventures from Jurassic Park to Jaws, Indiana Jones to Hook, Close Encounters of the Third Kind to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial through the music that has left an indelible mark on our collective cinematic memories.
We are thrilled to welcome back pianist Víkingur Ólafsson for a recital program of enchanting works by Debussy and Rameau. Contemporary works by American composer Philip Glass punctuate the dreamy French repertoire.
Charlie Chaplin directed and starred in the madcap silent film Modern Times, widely considered to be his greatest work due to its razor-sharp wit, comedic timing and of course, the music. In Chaplin’s final “Little Tramp” adventure, he plays a hapless factory laborer who clings to the hope of a brighter tomorrow alongside his beloved "Gamin" (Paulette Goddard). A self-taught musician with no formal training in composition, Chaplin also dictated the film’s score; his most famous song, “Smile,” accompanies the film’s last moments. Timothy Brock, a Seattle-born world authority on early 20th century works and silent film score preservationist, conducts the Seattle Symphony as the 1936 part-talkie comedy is projected above the stage in perfect synchronicity.
Charlie Chaplin directed and starred in the madcap silent film Modern Times, widely considered to be his greatest work due to its razor-sharp wit, comedic timing and of course, the music. In Chaplin’s final “Little Tramp” adventure, he plays a hapless factory laborer who clings to the hope of a brighter tomorrow alongside his beloved "Gamin" (Paulette Goddard). A self-taught musician with no formal training in composition, Chaplin also dictated the film’s score; his most famous song, “Smile,” accompanies the film’s last moments. Timothy Brock, a Seattle-born world authority on early 20th century works and silent film score preservationist, conducts the Seattle Symphony as the 1936 part-talkie comedy is projected above the stage in perfect synchronicity.
Charlie Chaplin directed and starred in the madcap silent film Modern Times, widely considered to be his greatest work due to its razor-sharp wit, comedic timing and of course, the music. In Chaplin’s final “Little Tramp” adventure, he plays a hapless factory laborer who clings to the hope of a brighter tomorrow alongside his beloved "Gamin" (Paulette Goddard). A self-taught musician with no formal training in composition, Chaplin also dictated the film’s score; his most famous song, “Smile,” accompanies the film’s last moments. Timothy Brock, a Seattle-born world authority on early 20th century works and silent film score preservationist, conducts the Seattle Symphony as the 1936 part-talkie comedy is projected above the stage in perfect synchronicity.
Orchestral virtuosity abounds in this expressive program conducted by Music Director Xian Zhang. To begin, The Moldau finds Bedřich Smetana capturing the beauty of his native Czech countryside and culture in a sonic voyage along the Moldau River. Then, GRAMMY-winning, rock-informed composer Steven Mackey’s new Concerto for Orchestra showcases the power of the Seattle Symphony from one corner of the stage to the other. Finally, in Scheherazade, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov utilizes the concertmaster’s violin as an evocative and stirring narrator while the orchestra whirls through tales of romance, betrayal, adventure and tragedy, all inspired by folklore from One Thousand and One Nights.
Orchestral virtuosity abounds in this expressive program conducted by Music Director Xian Zhang. To begin, The Moldau finds Bedřich Smetana capturing the beauty of his native Czech countryside and culture in a sonic voyage along the Moldau River. Then, GRAMMY-winning, rock-informed composer Steven Mackey’s new Concerto for Orchestra showcases the power of the Seattle Symphony from one corner of the stage to the other. Finally, in Scheherazade, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov utilizes the concertmaster’s violin as an evocative and stirring narrator while the orchestra whirls through tales of romance, betrayal, adventure and tragedy, all inspired by folklore from One Thousand and One Nights.
Conductor Hugh Wolff returns to the Seattle Symphony for the first time in over 25 years, joined by international star and beloved Tacoma-area mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and the Seattle Symphony Chorale to perform Berlioz’s exquisite musical rendering of the most famous play about star-crossed lovers, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Written as a “dramatic symphony” with chorus and soloists, it was indirectly inspired by Beethoven’s Ninth; the chorus is meant to represent the two warring families, solo voices the secondary characters, while the lovers themselves are represented purely by the orchestra, combining the immediacy of sung words with the expressive power of instrumental music. Rather than being a literal retelling, his musical depiction of the tragedy focuses on the intense emotions, love and death, and is rooted in Berlioz’s passionate response to Shakespeare and actress Harriet Smithson, who acted in the first and only version of the play that he experienced, and later became his wife.
Conductor Hugh Wolff returns to the Seattle Symphony for the first time in over 25 years, joined by international star and beloved Tacoma-area mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and the Seattle Symphony Chorale to perform Berlioz’s exquisite musical rendering of the most famous play about star-crossed lovers, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Written as a “dramatic symphony” with chorus and soloists, it was indirectly inspired by Beethoven’s Ninth; the chorus is meant to represent the two warring families, solo voices the secondary characters, while the lovers themselves are represented purely by the orchestra, combining the immediacy of sung words with the expressive power of instrumental music. Rather than being a literal retelling, his musical depiction of the tragedy focuses on the intense emotions, love and death, and is rooted in Berlioz’s passionate response to Shakespeare and actress Harriet Smithson, who acted in the first and only version of the play that he experienced, and later became his wife.
Conductor Hugh Wolff returns to the Seattle Symphony for the first time in over 25 years, joined by international star and beloved Tacoma-area mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and the Seattle Symphony Chorale to perform Berlioz’s exquisite musical rendering of the most famous play about star-crossed lovers, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Written as a “dramatic symphony” with chorus and soloists, it was indirectly inspired by Beethoven’s Ninth; the chorus is meant to represent the two warring families, solo voices the secondary characters, while the lovers themselves are represented purely by the orchestra, combining the immediacy of sung words with the expressive power of instrumental music. Rather than being a literal retelling, his musical depiction of the tragedy focuses on the intense emotions, love and death, and is rooted in Berlioz’s passionate response to Shakespeare and actress Harriet Smithson, who acted in the first and only version of the play that he experienced, and later became his wife.
The spotlight turns to another brilliant pianist, Yeol Eum Son, for the third program of the In Recital Series. Yeol Eum Son curates a concert of solo piano works written by and for great piano virtuosos, putting her own stamp on this deliciously technical repertoire.
Music Director Xian Zhang opens her three-week Nature in Music Festival with musical visions of nature, from the literal to the symbolic. Vaughan Williams’ serene Lark Ascending attempts to capture the feeling of a bird soaring on the wind and features Associate Concertmaster Helen Kim on solo violin. Next come Xian’s own selections from Grieg’s bucolic Peer Gynt, which begins with the most famous of all musical sunrises, Morning Mood. Webern’s Im Sommerwind (In the Summer Wind) reveals the composer at his most exultant and lush. Then, it’s on to Scriabin’s exotic Poem of Ecstasy, an adventure in luxuriant harmonies.
Music Director Xian Zhang opens her three-week Nature in Music Festival with musical visions of nature, from the literal to the symbolic. Vaughan Williams’ serene Lark Ascending attempts to capture the feeling of a bird soaring on the wind and features Associate Concertmaster Helen Kim on solo violin. Next come Xian’s own selections from Grieg’s bucolic Peer Gynt, which begins with the most famous of all musical sunrises, Morning Mood. Webern’s Im Sommerwind (In the Summer Wind) reveals the composer at his most exultant and lush. Then, it’s on to Scriabin’s exotic Poem of Ecstasy, an adventure in luxuriant harmonies.
In the second weekend of our Nature in Music Festival, our musical tour takes us into the countryside. Composers have often found inspiration in nature and one of the great outdoor musical portraits is Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, which depicts an idyllic day in the countryside. Beethoven gives us one of his most buoyant melodies in the first movement, then takes us along a babbling brook, recreates bird songs, depicts a rollicking peasant dance and the fright of a thunderstorm before ending the work with the calm of a Shepherd’s Song of Thanksgiving. GRAMMY-winning soloist Gil Shaham opens the program with Antonín Dvořák’s seldom-played Violin Concerto, a model of the composer’s Slavic period and a work of subtle sensuality.
In the second weekend of our Nature in Music Festival, our musical tour takes us into the countryside. Composers have often found inspiration in nature and one of the great outdoor musical portraits is Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, which depicts an idyllic day in the countryside. Beethoven gives us one of his most buoyant melodies in the first movement, then takes us along a babbling brook, recreates bird songs, depicts a rollicking peasant dance and the fright of a thunderstorm before ending the work with the calm of a Shepherd’s Song of Thanksgiving. GRAMMY-winning soloist Gil Shaham opens the program with Antonín Dvořák’s seldom-played Violin Concerto, a model of the composer’s Slavic period and a work of subtle sensuality.
In the second weekend of our Nature in Music Festival, our musical tour takes us into the countryside. Composers have often found inspiration in nature and one of the great outdoor musical portraits is Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, which depicts an idyllic day in the countryside. Beethoven gives us one of his most buoyant melodies in the first movement, then takes us along a babbling brook, recreates bird songs, depicts a rollicking peasant dance and the fright of a thunderstorm before ending the work with the calm of a Shepherd’s Song of Thanksgiving. GRAMMY-winning soloist Gil Shaham opens the program with Antonín Dvořák’s seldom-played Violin Concerto, a model of the composer’s Slavic period and a work of subtle sensuality.
Music Director Xian Zhang presents the third weekend of our Nature in Music Festival, which finds Venezuelan-born composer and pianist Gabriela Montero performing her own effervescent Piano Concerto No. 1, a rhythm-driven rumination on Latin America that showcases the region’s charms and sensuality while making the statement, “Not everything that glitters is gold.” Ottorino Respighi takes us to Rome, exploring the harmonious relationship between Italy's “Eternal City” and the natural world. The Pines of Rome are one with the skyline, taking root in ancient ruins, shading the catacombs and standing in silhouette against the full moon. Animals, nymphs and even Neptune’s chariot pass by and play in the water of various Fountains of Rome.
Music Director Xian Zhang presents the third weekend of our Nature in Music Festival, which finds Venezuelan-born composer and pianist Gabriela Montero performing her own effervescent Piano Concerto No. 1, a rhythm-driven rumination on Latin America that showcases the region’s charms and sensuality while making the statement, “Not everything that glitters is gold.” Ottorino Respighi takes us to Rome, exploring the harmonious relationship between Italy's “Eternal City” and the natural world. The Pines of Rome are one with the skyline, taking root in ancient ruins, shading the catacombs and standing in silhouette against the full moon. Animals, nymphs and even Neptune’s chariot pass by and play in the water of various Fountains of Rome.
Music Director Xian Zhang presents the third weekend of our Nature in Music Festival, which finds Venezuelan-born composer and pianist Gabriela Montero performing her own effervescent Piano Concerto No. 1, a rhythm-driven rumination on Latin America that showcases the region’s charms and sensuality while making the statement, “Not everything that glitters is gold.” Ottorino Respighi takes us to Rome, exploring the harmonious relationship between Italy's “Eternal City” and the natural world. The Pines of Rome are one with the skyline, taking root in ancient ruins, shading the catacombs and standing in silhouette against the full moon. Animals, nymphs and even Neptune’s chariot pass by and play in the water of various Fountains of Rome.
Tragedy, despair, terror and violence come to a triumphant conclusion in Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony, written in the wake of Stalin’s death after it became clear that a more liberal era was dawning in the Soviet Union. It is widely considered to be an indictment of Stalin’s dictatorship and is one of the composer’s most expressive and inventive works, unencumbered by his existential fear of government retribution. Conductor David Afkham returns to our stage for this exciting program, which also features Seattle audience favorite Steven Osborne performing Lutosławski’s Piano Concerto, marked by its capricious, light-infused sections and beloved by pianists due to the composer’s deep understanding of the piano’s solo voice against the orchestra. Opening the program is Kaija Saariaho’s twinkling, airy Lumière et Pésanteur (Light and Gravity).
Tragedy, despair, terror and violence come to a triumphant conclusion in Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony, written in the wake of Stalin’s death after it became clear that a more liberal era was dawning in the Soviet Union. It is widely considered to be an indictment of Stalin’s dictatorship and is one of the composer’s most expressive and inventive works, unencumbered by his existential fear of government retribution. Conductor David Afkham returns to our stage for this exciting program, which also features Seattle audience favorite Steven Osborne performing Lutosławski’s Piano Concerto, marked by its capricious, light-infused sections and beloved by pianists due to the composer’s deep understanding of the piano’s solo voice against the orchestra. Opening the program is Kaija Saariaho’s twinkling, airy Lumière et Pésanteur (Light and Gravity).
Two British stars — conductor Alexander Shelley and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor — return to the Seattle Symphony for a program of moody, triumphal magnificence. Grosvenor plays Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto, a darkly Romantic piece that marked a resounding and much-needed success for the composer after the disastrous premiere of his First Symphony. Shelley then conducts Sibelius’ dramatic Second Symphony, long associated with Finland's struggle for independence from Russia but also for its composer, a “confession of the soul.” The evening opens with contemporary Canadian Indigenous (Métis) composer Ian Cusson’s musical depiction of Haruki Murakami’s mystical, alternate history sci-fi novel, 1Q84.
Two British stars — conductor Alexander Shelley and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor — return to the Seattle Symphony for a program of moody, triumphal magnificence. Grosvenor plays Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto, a darkly Romantic piece that marked a resounding and much-needed success for the composer after the disastrous premiere of his First Symphony. Shelley then conducts Sibelius’ dramatic Second Symphony, long associated with Finland's struggle for independence from Russia but also for its composer, a “confession of the soul.” The evening opens with contemporary Canadian Indigenous (Métis) composer Ian Cusson’s musical depiction of Haruki Murakami’s mystical, alternate history sci-fi novel, 1Q84.
For the In Recital Series finale, cellist Alisa Weilerstein and pianist Inon Barnatan celebrate 20 years of performing together with a program that represents their initial collaborations as a duo. Among the selections are Chopin’s only sonata with cello and Rachmaninov’s demanding take on the cello-piano sonata.
Conductor Nicholas Carter reunites with the orchestra to conduct Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, nicknamed “The Heavenly Life” and inspired by a child’s version of the delights of heaven, full of dancing and playing, good music and food. Australian composer Brett Dean's arrangement of a song cycle by Debussy, Forgotten Songs, is a Seattle Symphony premiere, and uses poignant texts by French visionary poet Paul Verlaine. The densely layered, emotional words are complemented by the composer's trademark impressionistic lightness, and feature guest soprano Patricia Westley, who also sings in the last movement of the Mahler. Strauss' ecstatic Dreaming by the Fireside takes its cue from another “dream,” the music evoking a dreamer's love and yearning for her faraway husband.
Conductor Nicholas Carter reunites with the orchestra to conduct Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, nicknamed “The Heavenly Life” and inspired by a child’s version of the delights of heaven, full of dancing and playing, good music and food. Australian composer Brett Dean's arrangement of a song cycle by Debussy, Forgotten Songs, is a Seattle Symphony premiere, and uses poignant texts by French visionary poet Paul Verlaine. The densely layered, emotional words are complemented by the composer's trademark impressionistic lightness, and feature guest soprano Patricia Westley, who also sings in the last movement of the Mahler. Strauss' ecstatic Dreaming by the Fireside takes its cue from another “dream,” the music evoking a dreamer's love and yearning for her faraway husband.
Conductor Nicholas Carter reunites with the orchestra to conduct Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, nicknamed “The Heavenly Life” and inspired by a child’s version of the delights of heaven, full of dancing and playing, good music and food. Australian composer Brett Dean's arrangement of a song cycle by Debussy, Forgotten Songs, is a Seattle Symphony premiere, and uses poignant texts by French visionary poet Paul Verlaine. The densely layered, emotional words are complemented by the composer's trademark impressionistic lightness, and feature guest soprano Patricia Westley, who also sings in the last movement of the Mahler. Strauss' ecstatic Dreaming by the Fireside takes its cue from another “dream,” the music evoking a dreamer's love and yearning for her faraway husband.
Step into the singular universe of Emmy-winning and GRAMMY-nominated composer Bear McCreary as the Seattle Symphony brings his iconic soundscapes from hit TV series, films and video games to life in the concert hall. This show is definitely one for the fans! McCreary has created numerous beloved scores for projects including Battlestar Galactica, Outlander, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Walking Dead, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Godzilla: King of the Monsters and God of War. McCreary himself, returning to his Pacific Northwest roots, joins the orchestra to conduct, perform and curate this symphonic tour through some of his most unforgettable music.
Step into the singular universe of Emmy-winning and GRAMMY-nominated composer Bear McCreary as the Seattle Symphony brings his iconic soundscapes from hit TV series, films and video games to life in the concert hall. This show is definitely one for the fans! McCreary has created numerous beloved scores for projects including Battlestar Galactica, Outlander, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Walking Dead, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Godzilla: King of the Monsters and God of War. McCreary himself, returning to his Pacific Northwest roots, joins the orchestra to conduct, perform and curate this symphonic tour through some of his most unforgettable music.
Step into the singular universe of Emmy-winning and GRAMMY-nominated composer Bear McCreary as the Seattle Symphony brings his iconic soundscapes from hit TV series, films and video games to life in the concert hall. This show is definitely one for the fans! McCreary has created numerous beloved scores for projects including Battlestar Galactica, Outlander, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Walking Dead, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Godzilla: King of the Monsters and God of War. McCreary himself, returning to his Pacific Northwest roots, joins the orchestra to conduct, perform and curate this symphonic tour through some of his most unforgettable music.
Of the four symphonies by Johannes Brahms, the Third is the shy child of the family, and the only Romantic-era symphony in which all four movements end quietly, without triumphant fanfare. But beneath this restraint lies some of the composer’s richest melodies and most irresistible warmth. Join Music Director Xian Zhang and the Seattle Symphony on a lyrical journey that encourages us to hear Brahms in a new way, especially the breathtaking third-movement scherzo. The young virtuoso Daniel Lozakovich makes his Seattle debut in another Brahms masterpiece, the Violin Concerto, an epic dialog between a heroic protagonist and orchestra, often called a "symphony for the violin."
Of the four symphonies by Johannes Brahms, the Third is the shy child of the family, and the only Romantic-era symphony in which all four movements end quietly, without triumphant fanfare. But beneath this restraint lies some of the composer’s richest melodies and most irresistible warmth. Join Music Director Xian Zhang and the Seattle Symphony on a lyrical journey that encourages us to hear Brahms in a new way, especially the breathtaking third-movement scherzo. The young virtuoso Daniel Lozakovich makes his Seattle debut in another Brahms masterpiece, the Violin Concerto, an epic dialog between a heroic protagonist and orchestra, often called a "symphony for the violin."
Of the four symphonies by Johannes Brahms, the Third is the shy child of the family, and the only Romantic-era symphony in which all four movements end quietly, without triumphant fanfare. But beneath this restraint lies some of the composer’s richest melodies and most irresistible warmth. Join Music Director Xian Zhang and the Seattle Symphony on a lyrical journey that encourages us to hear Brahms in a new way, especially the breathtaking third-movement scherzo. The young virtuoso Daniel Lozakovich makes his Seattle debut in another Brahms masterpiece, the Violin Concerto, an epic dialog between a heroic protagonist and orchestra, often called a "symphony for the violin."
If you prefer to experience Richard Wagner's epic music in appetizing bites at the concert hall rather than as a full course meal at the opera house, the Seattle Symphony offers The Ring Without Words, an arrangement of the operatic tetralogy for orchestra alone. Distilling 18 hours of music into a digestible 60 minutes, this chronological adventure includes such highlights as the Ride of the Valkyries, Wotan’s Farewell, Siegfried's Funeral March, Brünnhilde's Immolation Scene and Forest Murmurs. Viewed as a symphonic journey stripped of any literary program, the music expresses the nuance and power of Wagner as an orchestrator. Soloist George Li balances the program with the one-movement Piano Concerto No. 2 by Franz Liszt, a close friend and advocate of Wagner. Together, these two composers helped shape the "music of the future."
If you prefer to experience Richard Wagner's epic music in appetizing bites at the concert hall rather than as a full course meal at the opera house, the Seattle Symphony offers The Ring Without Words, an arrangement of the operatic tetralogy for orchestra alone. Distilling 18 hours of music into a digestible 60 minutes, this chronological adventure includes such highlights as the Ride of the Valkyries, Wotan’s Farewell, Siegfried's Funeral March, Brünnhilde's Immolation Scene and Forest Murmurs. Viewed as a symphonic journey stripped of any literary program, the music expresses the nuance and power of Wagner as an orchestrator. Soloist George Li balances the program with the one-movement Piano Concerto No. 2 by Franz Liszt, a close friend and advocate of Wagner. Together, these two composers helped shape the "music of the future."
Throughout human history, bloodsuckers have sparked fear, but there's a reason so many animals rely on the blood of other species. Epidemiologist and National Geographic Explorer Ryan Carney reveals the incredible stories of bats, mosquitoes and more of nature’s vampires. We go on assignment to find out how these animals inspire his sci-fi approach to understanding infectious diseases, and we explore how Al and citizen science are helping to unlock a new era of human health.
ABOUT RYAN CARNEY
Ryan Carney is a 2017 National Geographic Emerging Explorer and an associate professor of digital science at the University of South Florida. From his previous days fronting a punk band on Warped Tour to interning at Google, Carney blends his diverse backgrounds in art, music, science and technology to help inspire the next generation of STEAM students in and out of the classroom. Carney's research has been published in Nature and featured in The New York Times and popular science books, and his art and science have appeared in museums and National Geographic magazine. Carney has bachelor's degrees in art and honors biology from University of California Berkeley, a Master of Business Administration and Masters of Public Health from Yale University, and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from Brown University.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Throughout human history, bloodsuckers have sparked fear, but there's a reason so many animals rely on the blood of other species. Epidemiologist and National Geographic Explorer Ryan Carney reveals the incredible stories of bats, mosquitoes and more of nature’s vampires. We go on assignment to find out how these animals inspire his sci-fi approach to understanding infectious diseases, and we explore how Al and citizen science are helping to unlock a new era of human health.
ABOUT RYAN CARNEY
Ryan Carney is a 2017 National Geographic Emerging Explorer and an associate professor of digital science at the University of South Florida. From his previous days fronting a punk band on Warped Tour to interning at Google, Carney blends his diverse backgrounds in art, music, science and technology to help inspire the next generation of STEAM students in and out of the classroom. Carney's research has been published in Nature and featured in The New York Times and popular science books, and his art and science have appeared in museums and National Geographic magazine. Carney has bachelor's degrees in art and honors biology from University of California Berkeley, a Master of Business Administration and Masters of Public Health from Yale University, and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from Brown University.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Throughout human history, bloodsuckers have sparked fear, but there's a reason so many animals rely on the blood of other species. Epidemiologist and National Geographic Explorer Ryan Carney reveals the incredible stories of bats, mosquitoes and more of nature’s vampires. We go on assignment to find out how these animals inspire his sci-fi approach to understanding infectious diseases, and we explore how Al and citizen science are helping to unlock a new era of human health.
ABOUT RYAN CARNEY
Ryan Carney is a 2017 National Geographic Emerging Explorer and an associate professor of digital science at the University of South Florida. From his previous days fronting a punk band on Warped Tour to interning at Google, Carney blends his diverse backgrounds in art, music, science and technology to help inspire the next generation of STEAM students in and out of the classroom. Carney's research has been published in Nature and featured in The New York Times and popular science books, and his art and science have appeared in museums and National Geographic magazine. Carney has bachelor's degrees in art and honors biology from University of California Berkeley, a Master of Business Administration and Masters of Public Health from Yale University, and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from Brown University.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and National Geographic Explorer Muhammed Muheisen pursues his photography with the belief that a single image can change the world. His work takes an unflinching but hopeful look at lives impacted by war. From children’s games to balloon salesmen, Muhammed’s images capture the kindness and resilience of humanity in difficult situations as he consistently bears witness to the power of visual stories.
ABOUT MUHAMMED MUHEISEN
Muhammed Muheisen is a photographer and the founder and chairman of the Dutch nonprofit organization Everyday Refugees Foundation, as well as a Global Ambassador for Canon. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including two Pulitzer Prizes and a 2023 National Geographic Wayfinder Award. He was featured in the 2024 National Geographic Disney+ series Photographer.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and National Geographic Explorer Muhammed Muheisen pursues his photography with the belief that a single image can change the world. His work takes an unflinching but hopeful look at lives impacted by war. From children’s games to balloon salesmen, Muhammed’s images capture the kindness and resilience of humanity in difficult situations as he consistently bears witness to the power of visual stories.
ABOUT MUHAMMED MUHEISEN
Muhammed Muheisen is a photographer and the founder and chairman of the Dutch nonprofit organization Everyday Refugees Foundation, as well as a Global Ambassador for Canon. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including two Pulitzer Prizes and a 2023 National Geographic Wayfinder Award. He was featured in the 2024 National Geographic Disney+ series Photographer.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and National Geographic Explorer Muhammed Muheisen pursues his photography with the belief that a single image can change the world. His work takes an unflinching but hopeful look at lives impacted by war. From children’s games to balloon salesmen, Muhammed’s images capture the kindness and resilience of humanity in difficult situations as he consistently bears witness to the power of visual stories.
ABOUT MUHAMMED MUHEISEN
Muhammed Muheisen is a photographer and the founder and chairman of the Dutch nonprofit organization Everyday Refugees Foundation, as well as a Global Ambassador for Canon. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including two Pulitzer Prizes and a 2023 National Geographic Wayfinder Award. He was featured in the 2024 National Geographic Disney+ series Photographer.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
The world is alive with sound, and acoustic biologist and National Geographic Explorer Ben Mirin makes sure we never miss a beat. From the sweet songs of morning birds to the chatter of howling lemurs to the conversation of whales, we’ll go on assignment on an auditory adventure. We’ll tune in to wildlife symphonies, discover what those voices tell us about our planet and transform that science into music.
ABOUT BEN MIRIN
Ben Mirin is the founding director of the Creative Conservation Lab (CCL) in partnership with Cornell University and UNC Chapel Hill. By training, Mirin is an acoustic biologist, storyteller and artist who studies sound in nature and biocultural conservation. He also composes music from his sound recordings and performs live as a “wildlife DJ.” Mirin completed his Ph.D. in 2024 at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where he studied birdsong and the wildlife trade in Indonesia. Through science, music and media, he combines his passions to engage new audiences in a more inclusive and sustainable future for all life on earth. Mirin is the creator and host of the digital and television series WILD BEATS on National Geographic Kids and Nat Geo Wild. He is also a 2016 National Geographic Explorer, Certified Educator and Speaker with National Geographic Expeditions.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
The world is alive with sound, and acoustic biologist and National Geographic Explorer Ben Mirin makes sure we never miss a beat. From the sweet songs of morning birds to the chatter of howling lemurs to the conversation of whales, we’ll go on assignment on an auditory adventure. We’ll tune in to wildlife symphonies, discover what those voices tell us about our planet and transform that science into music.
ABOUT BEN MIRIN
Ben Mirin is the founding director of the Creative Conservation Lab (CCL) in partnership with Cornell University and UNC Chapel Hill. By training, Mirin is an acoustic biologist, storyteller and artist who studies sound in nature and biocultural conservation. He also composes music from his sound recordings and performs live as a “wildlife DJ.” Mirin completed his Ph.D. in 2024 at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where he studied birdsong and the wildlife trade in Indonesia. Through science, music and media, he combines his passions to engage new audiences in a more inclusive and sustainable future for all life on earth. Mirin is the creator and host of the digital and television series WILD BEATS on National Geographic Kids and Nat Geo Wild. He is also a 2016 National Geographic Explorer, Certified Educator and Speaker with National Geographic Expeditions.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
The world is alive with sound, and acoustic biologist and National Geographic Explorer Ben Mirin makes sure we never miss a beat. From the sweet songs of morning birds to the chatter of howling lemurs to the conversation of whales, we’ll go on assignment on an auditory adventure. We’ll tune in to wildlife symphonies, discover what those voices tell us about our planet and transform that science into music.
ABOUT BEN MIRIN
Ben Mirin is the founding director of the Creative Conservation Lab (CCL) in partnership with Cornell University and UNC Chapel Hill. By training, Mirin is an acoustic biologist, storyteller and artist who studies sound in nature and biocultural conservation. He also composes music from his sound recordings and performs live as a “wildlife DJ.” Mirin completed his Ph.D. in 2024 at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where he studied birdsong and the wildlife trade in Indonesia. Through science, music and media, he combines his passions to engage new audiences in a more inclusive and sustainable future for all life on earth. Mirin is the creator and host of the digital and television series WILD BEATS on National Geographic Kids and Nat Geo Wild. He is also a 2016 National Geographic Explorer, Certified Educator and Speaker with National Geographic Expeditions.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Even thousands of years after its demise, the Roman Empire captivates us, and the ancient city of Pompeii is the place to understand it all. Volcanic ash created an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of ancient people who lived, worked and played in this coastal city. We go on assignment with archaeologist Caitie Barrett to the latest dig sites to uncover new stories that still lie buried in this special place.
ABOUT CAITIE BARRETT
Caitie Barrett is an archaeologist who studies everyday life and cross-cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean. She teaches at Cornell University as Associate Professor of Classics. She also co-directs an archaeological excavation at Pompeii: the Casa della Regina Carolina (CRC) Project, which explores the ways that Roman houses shaped their inhabitants’ lived experiences. Her areas of specialization include Mediterranean and Egyptian archaeology, household archaeology, the archaeology of religion and ritual, and interactions between Egypt and the Greco-Roman world in antiquity. In addition to her current fieldwork at Pompeii, she has also excavated and surveyed a range of Bronze Age through early modern sites in Egypt, Greece and the United States.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Even thousands of years after its demise, the Roman Empire captivates us, and the ancient city of Pompeii is the place to understand it all. Volcanic ash created an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of ancient people who lived, worked and played in this coastal city. We go on assignment with archaeologist Caitie Barrett to the latest dig sites to uncover new stories that still lie buried in this special place.
ABOUT CAITIE BARRETT
Caitie Barrett is an archaeologist who studies everyday life and cross-cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean. She teaches at Cornell University as Associate Professor of Classics. She also co-directs an archaeological excavation at Pompeii: the Casa della Regina Carolina (CRC) Project, which explores the ways that Roman houses shaped their inhabitants’ lived experiences. Her areas of specialization include Mediterranean and Egyptian archaeology, household archaeology, the archaeology of religion and ritual, and interactions between Egypt and the Greco-Roman world in antiquity. In addition to her current fieldwork at Pompeii, she has also excavated and surveyed a range of Bronze Age through early modern sites in Egypt, Greece and the United States.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Even thousands of years after its demise, the Roman Empire captivates us, and the ancient city of Pompeii is the place to understand it all. Volcanic ash created an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of ancient people who lived, worked and played in this coastal city. We go on assignment with archaeologist Caitie Barrett to the latest dig sites to uncover new stories that still lie buried in this special place.
ABOUT CAITIE BARRETT
Caitie Barrett is an archaeologist who studies everyday life and cross-cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean. She teaches at Cornell University as Associate Professor of Classics. She also co-directs an archaeological excavation at Pompeii: the Casa della Regina Carolina (CRC) Project, which explores the ways that Roman houses shaped their inhabitants’ lived experiences. Her areas of specialization include Mediterranean and Egyptian archaeology, household archaeology, the archaeology of religion and ritual, and interactions between Egypt and the Greco-Roman world in antiquity. In addition to her current fieldwork at Pompeii, she has also excavated and surveyed a range of Bronze Age through early modern sites in Egypt, Greece and the United States.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Bright colors and captivating calls are just the start with some of Earth’s most amazing species. Frogs can turn nearly invisible, leap more than 20 times their body length and defend themselves with poison. We go on assignment with conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer Jonathan Kolby to discover all kinds of incredible abilities and springy biodiversity.
ABOUT JONATHAN KOLBY
Jonathan Kolby became involved in wildlife conservation at the age of 15, when he volunteered on his first expedition to document biodiversity in Southeast Asia. He has since been involved in 20 field expeditions spanning the globe, from Honduras to Madagascar to Hong Kong. In 2007, Kolby was awarded a National Geographic Young Explorers Grant to study chytrid fungus and amphibian declines in Honduras. After completing this project, Kolby decided to dedicate himself to combatting global amphibian declines and extinction. He recently established the Honduras Amphibian Research & Conservation Center to specifically prevent amphibian extinctions in Honduras. Kolby completed his Ph.D. at James Cook University in Australia, where he studied the global spread of amphibian chytrid fungus and ranavirus. Kolby has published over a dozen scientific papers, written blog posts for National Geographic and the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group, and currently runs a citizen science project on iNaturalist called "Saving Salamanders with Citizen Science" to help monitor for the emergence of salamander chytrid fungus in the United States. To make science more accessible to the general public, Kolby actively uses photography and social media to help raise awareness about wildlife conservation issues. He also manages a YouTube channel featuring videos and short films produced for the Honduras Amphibian Research & Conservation Center.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Bright colors and captivating calls are just the start with some of Earth’s most amazing species. Frogs can turn nearly invisible, leap more than 20 times their body length and defend themselves with poison. We go on assignment with conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer Jonathan Kolby to discover all kinds of incredible abilities and springy biodiversity.
ABOUT JONATHAN KOLBY
Jonathan Kolby became involved in wildlife conservation at the age of 15, when he volunteered on his first expedition to document biodiversity in Southeast Asia. He has since been involved in 20 field expeditions spanning the globe, from Honduras to Madagascar to Hong Kong. In 2007, Kolby was awarded a National Geographic Young Explorers Grant to study chytrid fungus and amphibian declines in Honduras. After completing this project, Kolby decided to dedicate himself to combatting global amphibian declines and extinction. He recently established the Honduras Amphibian Research & Conservation Center to specifically prevent amphibian extinctions in Honduras. Kolby completed his Ph.D. at James Cook University in Australia, where he studied the global spread of amphibian chytrid fungus and ranavirus. Kolby has published over a dozen scientific papers, written blog posts for National Geographic and the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group, and currently runs a citizen science project on iNaturalist called "Saving Salamanders with Citizen Science" to help monitor for the emergence of salamander chytrid fungus in the United States. To make science more accessible to the general public, Kolby actively uses photography and social media to help raise awareness about wildlife conservation issues. He also manages a YouTube channel featuring videos and short films produced for the Honduras Amphibian Research & Conservation Center.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Bright colors and captivating calls are just the start with some of Earth’s most amazing species. Frogs can turn nearly invisible, leap more than 20 times their body length and defend themselves with poison. We go on assignment with conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer Jonathan Kolby to discover all kinds of incredible abilities and springy biodiversity.
ABOUT JONATHAN KOLBY
Jonathan Kolby became involved in wildlife conservation at the age of 15, when he volunteered on his first expedition to document biodiversity in Southeast Asia. He has since been involved in 20 field expeditions spanning the globe, from Honduras to Madagascar to Hong Kong. In 2007, Kolby was awarded a National Geographic Young Explorers Grant to study chytrid fungus and amphibian declines in Honduras. After completing this project, Kolby decided to dedicate himself to combatting global amphibian declines and extinction. He recently established the Honduras Amphibian Research & Conservation Center to specifically prevent amphibian extinctions in Honduras. Kolby completed his Ph.D. at James Cook University in Australia, where he studied the global spread of amphibian chytrid fungus and ranavirus. Kolby has published over a dozen scientific papers, written blog posts for National Geographic and the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group, and currently runs a citizen science project on iNaturalist called "Saving Salamanders with Citizen Science" to help monitor for the emergence of salamander chytrid fungus in the United States. To make science more accessible to the general public, Kolby actively uses photography and social media to help raise awareness about wildlife conservation issues. He also manages a YouTube channel featuring videos and short films produced for the Honduras Amphibian Research & Conservation Center.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Iconic dinosaurs such as Triceratops, Stegosaurus, T. rex and others ruled Earth for 180 million years. Then a doomsday asteroid reshaped the world. We go on assignment with paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Tyler Lyson to witness the collapse of the dinosaur dynasty. Then we follow the birds and mammals that survived the apocalypse and adapted to thrive, a story revealed in one of the most extraordinary fossil finds in recent memory.
ABOUT TYLER LYSON
Tyler Lyson is curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where he is responsible for the fossil reptiles collection. His research focuses on the early origin and evolution of reptiles, particularly turtles, as well as the driver(s) and tempo of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction and subsequent ecosystem recovery. He is working on projects in the Denver Basin in Colorado, Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana, and Karoo Basin in South Africa. Lyson received his Ph.D. and M.A. in geology and paleontology from Yale University, and his B.A. from Swarthmore College. He was a postdoctoral researcher at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History before joining the Denver Museum in 2014.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Iconic dinosaurs such as Triceratops, Stegosaurus, T. rex and others ruled Earth for 180 million years. Then a doomsday asteroid reshaped the world. We go on assignment with paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Tyler Lyson to witness the collapse of the dinosaur dynasty. Then we follow the birds and mammals that survived the apocalypse and adapted to thrive, a story revealed in one of the most extraordinary fossil finds in recent memory.
ABOUT TYLER LYSON
Tyler Lyson is curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where he is responsible for the fossil reptiles collection. His research focuses on the early origin and evolution of reptiles, particularly turtles, as well as the driver(s) and tempo of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction and subsequent ecosystem recovery. He is working on projects in the Denver Basin in Colorado, Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana, and Karoo Basin in South Africa. Lyson received his Ph.D. and M.A. in geology and paleontology from Yale University, and his B.A. from Swarthmore College. He was a postdoctoral researcher at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History before joining the Denver Museum in 2014.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.
Iconic dinosaurs such as Triceratops, Stegosaurus, T. rex and others ruled Earth for 180 million years. Then a doomsday asteroid reshaped the world. We go on assignment with paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Tyler Lyson to witness the collapse of the dinosaur dynasty. Then we follow the birds and mammals that survived the apocalypse and adapted to thrive, a story revealed in one of the most extraordinary fossil finds in recent memory.
ABOUT TYLER LYSON
Tyler Lyson is curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where he is responsible for the fossil reptiles collection. His research focuses on the early origin and evolution of reptiles, particularly turtles, as well as the driver(s) and tempo of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction and subsequent ecosystem recovery. He is working on projects in the Denver Basin in Colorado, Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana, and Karoo Basin in South Africa. Lyson received his Ph.D. and M.A. in geology and paleontology from Yale University, and his B.A. from Swarthmore College. He was a postdoctoral researcher at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History before joining the Denver Museum in 2014.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live brings explorers from the field to your city, live on stage. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic's photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery. The 2026/2027 Seattle Speaker Series begins in November 2026 with 6-show subscriptions on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series is presented by the Seattle Symphony. The orchestra will not perform on these programs.