Joe Hisaishi
Japanese composer, conductor and pianist renowned for his delicately crafted symphonic and solo works, as well as his globally successful film music.
Has composed music for over 100 films both in Japan and overseas and has released nearly 40 solo albums.
Close collaborations with director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have included music for award-winning films including My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001) and The Boy and the Heron (2023).
Concert works include three symphonies, orchestral suites and a series of concertos.
As a conductor his repertoire ranges from Studio Ghibli scores, through his own symphonic compositions, to classical favourites and music by contemporary composers including John Adams, Nico Muhly, Arvo Pärt and Steve Reich.
Has conducted internationally including the London Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna Symphony Orchestra.
Composer-in-Association with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director of the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra.
Exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist with recent releases including Joe Hisaishi in Vienna featuring Symphony No.2 and Viola Saga, and The End of the World coupled with Steve Reich’s The Desert Music.
Works by Joe Hisaishi include:
The End of the World (2015) for vocalists and orchestra
Symphony No.3 ‘Metaphysica’ (2021) for orchestra
Harp Concerto (2024) for harp and orchestra
Joe Hisaishi is represented for worldwide general management by HarrisonParrott Group.
Visit Joe Hisaishi’s website at joehisaishi.com.
Looking Ahead: Joe Hisaishi conducts The End of the World and Steve Reich’s The Desert Music at the BBC Proms (14 Aug) and on a Japanese tour (23-27 Aug); US performances with the Cleveland Orchestra and Pittsburgh Symphony (Sep); future plans include a Concerto for Orchestra for premiere in North America (May 2026) followed by international performances.
“When I discovered minimal music I felt I could create my vision – it was totally different to traditional music.”
Joe Hisaishi