The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present The Music of Joe Hisaishi at Hamer Hall from 6-8 November 2025. Conducted by Nicholas Buc and featuring renowned pianist Aura Go, this special concert will showcase some of Hisaishi’s most iconic scores from Studio Ghibli classics like My Neighbour Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Spirited Away.
Known for his legendary collaborations with director Hayao Miyazaki, Hisaishi’s compositions have touched the hearts of audiences worldwide.
In addition to these beloved film scores, the concert will feature rarely heard pieces from films such as Water Travellerand Kikujiro by directors Nobuhiko Obayashi and Takeshi Kitano. It will also include selections from Hisaishi’s concert works, DA.MA.SHI.E and World Dreams.
Hosted by the team behind the popular Art of the Score podcast, the event promises an immersive exploration into Hisaishi’s musical legacy.
Art of the Score co-host Andrew Pogson says the concert experience will be elevated with musical insights.
“Although this is a concert first and foremost, Dan, Nicholas and I will guide the audience through the career and brilliance of Joe Hisaishi’s music via brief introductions to each suite, along with theatrically presented musical demonstrations of various aspects of the composer’s style, all performed live by the orchestra.”
“In other words, the concert is not a straight, traditional concert – more of a love letter to a great composer and a chance for the audience to discover the magic behind the music they love,” he said.
Tickets go on sale 24 October 2024, and with past collaborations between the MSO and Art of the Score selling out fast, this is a must-attend event for fans of cinematic and orchestral music.
