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Frequent Ghibli Collaborator Joe Hisaishi Named LA Philharmonic's Composer-in-Residence

The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra announced on Thursday that composer Joe Hisaishi will be the Composer-in-Residence for the orchestra, and also entering a five-year artistic partnership with the orchestra for its Hollywood Bowl and The Ford venues. Hisaishi will work with the orchestra from the 2027/28 season to the 2031/32 seasons.

Hisaishi's new role will include composing new works specifically for the orchestra. He will also hold recurring performances at the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The partnership includes "recording projects and educational and community engagement initiatives developed in collaboration with the Joe Hisaishi Foundation."

Hisaishi has composed the scores for all of Hayao Miyazaki's films from Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind onwards. He also composed the score for Isao Takahata's film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and was the executive producer of the stage version of My Neighbor Totoro at London's Barbican Centre in 2022.

The Japanese government honored Hisaishi with the Order of the Rising Sun Award, Gold Rays with Rosette for his significant contributions to the country in 2023. The Japanese government awarded the composer with the Medal of Honor in 2010. Hisaishi was also awarded his sixth Japanese Academy Award for "Best Music" the same year.

Source: LA Philharmonic website