Joe Hisaishi & Hayao Miyazaki’s classic anime audio-visual candlelight concert features ‘Summer’, ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’, and ‘Spirited Away’, along with other beloved soundtracks from ‘Kikujiro’, ‘My Neighbor Totoro’, and ‘Princess Mononoke’. Have these animations ever warmed your heart? Have the melodies moved you deeply? Miyazaki’s dialogues have healed and inspired many, while Hisaishi’s compositions have left lasting memories. A series of enchanting notes and beautiful memories will lead you into the vibrant world of animation, allowing you to feel the warmth and beauty that arises spontaneously from the heart.
Selected classic film music, each piece is pleasing to the ear! The candlelight concert is a feast for the senses! Highlights of this concert include: 1. A rich variety of music, carefully selected from Joe Hisaishi’s classic compositions over the years. Every piece in this concert is well-known and widely loved. Performed in a piano trio format, the concert invites leading musicians and renowned pianists to perform with all their might. The grand interpretation of the classics perfectly revives the immortal masterpieces of the masters. From the colorful and lively ‘Kikujiro’ to the heavenly ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’, from the wind-tunnel traversing and childlike ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ to the spirited and mysterious ‘Princess Mononoke’, from the world-promised ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ to the waltz of life ‘Spirited Away’, all bring us a resonance of audio-visual and soul, returning to the purity and essence of life. 2. Synchronization of audio and visuals, a harmonious blend of sound and image. The concert also specially edits Hayao Miyazaki’s animated works to perfectly match Joe Hisaishi’s music. The wonderful film scenes allow you to relive the heartwarming stories, and the soul-stirring beautiful music takes your thoughts into a romantic and dreamy world. At the concert venue, a large screen will play carefully edited and arranged film clips. These classic works’ frame by frame will be presented with warm, romantic, and grand symphonic music, undoubtedly a great visual and auditory enjoyment. An interactive music and visual experience provides the audience with a brand new ‘play with music’ musical experience. 3. Surrounded by candlelight, creating a multifaceted atmosphere filled with romance! The flickering candlelight and the surrounding lights. When classic music combines with candlelight, it brings a unique sense of vision, hearing, and feeling to the audience. When darkness envelops, only the candlelight flickers, and beautiful notes leap from the fingertips. We are immersed in a sea of candlelight, full of warmth and romance. The melodious music conveys hope and beauty, and the warmth of the candlelight illuminates every corner, making it a truly splendid musical experience.Appreciation of some pieces:
‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’ is the ultimate collaboration between Joe Hisaishi and Hayao Miyazaki, where music complements the film and the film endows music with soul. Known worldwide for its tear-jerking beautiful melodies and touching tunes, it has been adapted into various versions, becoming a classic light music piece and a timeless world-renowned composition. ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ – The music in ‘Totoro’ can be considered the crowning touch of the work, naturally full of childlike wonder, sometimes lively, sometimes gentle, all permeated with a childlike innocence. It allows one to wander in the fantasy of the countryside, with nerves unconsciously relaxing. The music runs through the entire film, almost giving the feeling of a musical, filled with a cheerful atmosphere, while also being rich in family affection, and at its core, of course, it is the signature ethereal and melodious sound. ‘Kikujiro’s Summer’ – The main theme ‘Summer’ from ‘Kikujiro’s Summer’ is like a wind chime hanging by the window, swaying and emitting crisp and pleasant sounds, fresh and natural. The melody of ‘Summer’ itself is very soothing, and as soon as the piano prelude begins, it easily takes one into memories, as if everyone can see similar scenes, the small rivers one waded through as a child, the kind mothers washing by the river… It has the innocence of childhood, the nostalgia and reminiscence of what has passed, as well as the love for the present and life itself. ‘Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea’ – Growth is every child’s right and their inevitable journey, whether smooth or rugged, with joys and sorrows, partings and reunions. ‘Ponyo’ is a return to simplicity for Miyazaki, simple yet not lacking in dreamy hues, depicting a world full of love for a healing fairy tale that can be dedicated to everyone, bringing not only the innocence of childhood that has passed but also the purity and courage in the face of love. ‘Spirited Away’ – I did not know the taste of parting was so desolate, I did not know saying goodbye required such strength. When the person accompanying you has to get off, even if reluctant, one should be grateful and wave goodbye. ‘Spirited Away’ is a great work by Miyazaki dedicated to children, children will eventually grow up, and when facing a society like a big bathhouse shrouded in black smoke, dampness, and desires, can they summon the courage, not forget their original intention, and harvest beauty? This is a performance suitable for children, with warm melodies and healing animations that make children excited and happy, cultivating their love for music through the performance of their favorite pieces with instruments. This is a performance suitable for parents and children of all ages, creating an immersive viewing experience with high-definition screens broadcasting classic anime movie clips, synchronized audio and visuals, and a dual enjoyment of ‘vision + hearing’. This concert is composed of a piano trio, consisting of violin, cello, and piano.The orchestra members are graduates from prestigious music schools both domestically and internationally, blending the soaring and melodious violin, the deep and grand cello, and the clear and free-spirited piano, taking you on a journey to appreciate the perfect combination of strings and keys. It is this diverse sound ensemble that presents the infinite possibilities of music. The orchestra is dedicated to promoting and popularizing elegant art, bringing the exquisite tonal art of chamber music and the delicate sound to the audience, and also hopes to continue the legacy of beautiful music.
Main performance pieces (The performance pieces and order are subject to change on the spot):
Overture: Canon
1. That Summer – Spirited Away
2. Always With Me – Spirited Away
3. The Carousel of Life – Howl’s Moving Castle
4. The Promise of the World – Howl’s Moving Castle
5. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
6. Princess Mononoke
7. The Path of the Wind – My Neighbor Totoro
8. My Neighbor Totoro – My Neighbor Totoro
9. Travel – Kiki’s Delivery Service
10. The Town with an Ocean View – Kiki’s Delivery Service
11. Summer – Kikujiro no Natsu
12. Rain – Kikujiro no Natsu
13. Laputa: Castle in the Sky
14. Frozen
15. Butterfly Lovers
