Featured Artists
Joe Hisaishi
Choong-Jin Chang
Legendary composer Joe Hisaishi, known for his enchanting scores for all Hayao Miyazaki’s critically acclaimed Studio Ghibli films, leads the Orchestra in a celebration of his masterpieces, including his orchestral suite from Spirited Away.
Dubbed the John Williams of Japan by Pitchfork in 2017, Joe Hisaishi is one of the most celebrated composers of our time. He has written the music for over 100 films and has won 7 Japanese Academy Awards for Best Music. His credits include 12 enchanting animated Studio Ghibli films, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winners Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron.
Hisaishi is also a gifted and prolific composer for the concert hall. Opening this program are two of his original works. His spare and beautiful Symphony No. 2 employs stark contrasts in rhythm and texture and his Viola Saga is as demanding of its soloist as it is thrilling for the listener—and Principal Viola Choong-Jin Chang is up to this monumental task.
Closing the performance is the Suite from the second highest grossing film in Japan’s history, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. From its bright piano melodies to its triumphant string lines, this piece is a perfect encapsulation of the iconic film.
These concerts are part of the Ellenberg Philadelphia Orchestra Soloist Spotlight Series.
Program
Hisaishi
Symphony No. 2
Hisaishi
Saga, for viola and orchestra
Hisaishi
Suite from Spirited Away
Additional Performance Information
