The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will be bringing the iconic music of composer Joe Hisaishi to life with a new concert series presented by Art of the Score.
Taking place at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, this event will run from 6 to 8 November 2025, with tickets available from 10am on 24 October 2024 at mso.com.au.
The concert will feature music from Studio Ghibli classics including My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away. In addition to these well-known works, the performance will showcase rarely heard pieces from directors Nobuhiko Obayashi and Takeshi Kitano, including Water Traveller and Kikujiro. The audience will also be treated to concert works such as DA.MA.SHI.E and World Dreams, making this event a comprehensive tribute to one of the world’s most significant modern composers.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents The Music of Joe Hisaishi
- The Music of Joe Hisaishi – presented by Art of the Score
- 7.30pm Thursday 6, Friday 7, and Saturday 8 November 2025
- Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
- Tickets: On sale 24 October, visit mso.com.au
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Joe Hisaishi is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and beloved composers, known for his long-standing collaboration with director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. His multi-award-winning scores have been heard in more than 100 works for the screen and concert hall, marking him as a central figure in the world of film music.
Conducted by Nicholas Buc, the concert will feature special guest pianist Aura Go, alongside fellow Art of the Score podcasters Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding. Audiences will not only hear the MSO perform Hisaishi’s music, but will also be guided through his career and compositional brilliance. “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,” said Andrew Pogson.
“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.”
The Melbourne-based podcast Art of the Score is known for demystifying and celebrating soundtracks from the worlds of film, TV, and video games. Their collaborations with the MSO, including recent concerts celebrating the music of Hans Zimmer and John Williams, have been met with high praise, making this upcoming event one of the most anticipated concerts of 2025.
