Fans of animation will know that Studio Ghibli films carry a certain magical quality, with Hayao Miyazaki presenting intricately detailed and nuanced worlds in hand-painted 2D style. What elevates Miyazaki’s magic realism to the next level is undoubtedly the music scores paired with his films, ranging from sweeping epics in Princess Mononoke and melancholic melodies in Spirited Away, to the peppy, hopeful tunes of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Hongkongers now have a chance to relive the enchantment of Miyazaki films that have captured the hearts of entire generations around the globe – through the beauty of its music. Read on for more information about this one-off special concert!
What’s so special about the music in Studio Ghibli films?
The genius behind Studio Ghibli’s auditory allure can be largely attributed to composer Joe Hisaishi, who has worked on 12 of the studio’s films since 1984’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. He hasn’t scored all of the projects produced by the studio, but certainly almost all of the feature films directed by Miyazaki. The synergy between these two long-time collaborators means it’s almost impossible to talk about a Miyazaki film without also bringing in Hisaishi’s scores.
Despite Miyazaki’s vastly different topics and direction across his works, Hisaishi is able to write music that seamlessly slots into the universes, tapping into the emotions of so many varied characters. Taking just the pieces from Spirited Away alone, the 74-year-old composer is able to convey melancholic longing in ‘One Summer Day’; the frantic rise and denouement of being entirely out of one’s depth in ‘The Dragon Boy’; the quiet stillness of liminal spaces in ‘The Sixth Station’; and the joy of a reunion in ‘Reprise’. Miyazaki’s films would probably not hit the same without Hisaishi’s accompaniment, and it is well worth experiencing the music performed by a live orchestra.
Where and when will the Studio Ghibli Symphony concert be held?
Head to the Academic Community Hall at the Hong Kong Baptist University on April 5 for what is sure to be an unforgettable concert.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets for the Studio Ghibli Symphony run from $580 to $1,280, with sales opening at 10am on February 20. VIP ticket holders will receive an autographed board signed by the singers, a show poster, and an exclusive laminate and lanyard.
Who’s in the lineup of featured singers?
The Studio Ghibli Symphony concert will be made all the more special by the appearance of some of the original singers of songs from Miyazaki’s films. Sumi Shimamoto voiced the lead character of Nausicaä in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Toki in Princess Mononoke, and Satsuki and Mei’s mother in My Neighbour Totoro. She has also covered some Studio Ghibli songs, including ‘Stroll’ from My Neighbour Totoro, ‘Always With Me’ from Spirited Away, and ‘Carrying You’ from Laputa: Castle in the Sky.
Azumi Inoue is the original singer of several of Studio Ghibli’s theme songs, including Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbour Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service. She will be performing in the concert along with her daughter Yuyu, who debuted at the tender age of seven with a hit rendition of an old Japanese song named ‘A Six-year-old’s Ballad’.
Singer and lyre performer Youmi Kimura recorded the song ‘Always With Me’ for a now-cancelled Miyazaki project, and the track was eventually used as the closing theme of Spirited Away. She also wrote the ‘The Promise of the World’, which is the ending theme of Howl’s Moving Castle.
These artists will be joined by acclaimed violinist Takeshi Hashima, the principal violinist of the Tokyo Asia Orchestra, along with 17 top-tier musicians.
What songs will be performed at the Studio Ghibli Symphony?
No official setlist has been announced, but given the featured guest singers, it would be pretty safe to assume that the concert will include songs and music from Spirited Away, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbour Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Laputa: Castle in the Sky, so there is sure to be a selection of performances from this timeless film as well.
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