Music in movies connects us with what’s happening on screen and makes the wonder more wonderful, the fantastic more fantastical, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. And there are few film composers more storied and excellent than Joe Hisaishi, the musical genius behind many Studio Ghibli soundtracks. While Candlelight has already paid tribute to the Japanese maestro in more intimate settings, it has never performed a concert with an orchestra, until now.
A 20-piece orchestra —complete with strings, percussion, woodwind and brass instruments— is all set to bring Hisaishi’s musical scores to life at London’s Central Hall Westminster. It’s bound to be a sensational evening as hundreds of candles light up this stunning venue to create a dreamy realm fit for the wandering and fanciful qualities of Hayao Miyazaki’s and Studio Ghibli’s films.
Drawing on elements of classical music as well as jazz, Hisaishi’s musical scores have an orchestral flow to them. There is also a repetition of certain notes as well as a focus on the space between them to create a landscape of sound and the feeling of a magical place.
The setlist for the spellbinding night of music in a new light will include songs from some of your favourite anime films. This includes the very first collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki and Joe Hisaishi, 1984’s Nausicaa Valley of the Wind, as well as Studio Ghibli’s most famous production, Spirited Away and more.
Hisaishi’s musical chops are so well respected by Studio Ghibli that they often request early compositions to help shape the feel of the movie. We can’t help but imagine what we’d make of films such as Porco Rosso, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbour Totoro and Ponyo without the enchanting touch of the eight-time winner of the Japanese Academy Award for Best Music.
Taking place at the spectacular Central Hall Westminster, this magical tribute to the brilliant Joe Hisaishi is set to be an evening to remember for fans of the legendary composer. There will be two phenomenal performances on the evening, one at 6:30p.m. and another at 9:00p.m., where a talented conductor will conduct 20 musicians on stage to envelop audiences in the sounds of Studio Ghibli.
Candlelight Orchestra: A Tribute to Joe Hisaishi
Please note that the photos used are from various Candlelight Orchestra x Joe Hisaishi concerts and do not reflect Central Hall Westminster