Composer, arranger, and pianist Joe Hisaishi is set to hold a special concert entitled "Prayer's Song 2025" this summer, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The concert will take place on August 23, 2025, at the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater Concert Hall, as part of his inauguration as the music director of the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, starting from April 2025.
Hisaishi, known for his evocative compositions and collaborations primarily with filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, will feature pieces by both Steve Reich and himself during this performance. The program will include Reich's celebrated "Desert Music" and Hisaishi's touching piece "Prayer's Song," which is featured in the upcoming film "How Do You Live?" leading up to what Hisaishi refers to as "The End of the World."
The concert series will continue beyond Aichi, with performances scheduled for August 25, 2025, at the Festival Hall in Osaka, and on August 26, 2025, at the KOBELCO Great Hall of the Hyogo Prefectural Art and Culture Center, before concluding on August 27, 2025, at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Each performance is set to begin at 19:00, except for the Aichi concert, which starts earlier at 17:00.
Tickets for the concert are priced at 8,000 yen for premium S seats and 6,500 yen for regular A seats, inclusive of tax. General ticket sales are slated to commence on April 18, 2025, at 12:00, promising eager fans the opportunity to experience this momentous occasion.
The news of this concert aligns with the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra's milestone of celebrating its 35th anniversary, which the orchestra marked in December 2024. Based out of Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra has gained recognition for its high-quality performances and has won the Osaka Cultural Festival Encouragement Award on two separate occasions, solidifying its esteemed reputation.
Joe Hisaishi's influence on contemporary music is well-documented. After graduating from music university, he launched his career as a minimalist music composer, releasing his first album, "Information," in 1982. Over the years, he has created around 40 solo albums, and his initial CD for Deutsche Grammophon, "A Symphonic Celebration," topped the American Billboard charts for both classical and crossover albums, showcasing his reach beyond Japan.
His work has been instrumental for numerous Miyazaki films, starting with "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" (1984) and extending through to his recent contributions to "How Do You Live?" (2023). Through his music, Hisaishi has captivated audiences worldwide and received numerous accolades, including the Japanese Academy Awards for Best Music and the Windsor McCay Award from the Annie Awards for Lifetime Achievement.
Hisaishi’s role as music director of the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, effective April 2025, demonstrates both his enduring influence and commitment to modern classical music. The orchestra plans not only to engage with traditional symphonic repertoire but also to present innovative programs aiming to enrich the audience's experience of orchestral music.
This summer's concert is not just another addition to Hisaishi’s illustrious career; it signifies his new role with the orchestra and honors the broader historical narrative of Japan’s post-war era. With the backdrop of numerous classical pieces ranging from Reich's minimalist roots to Hisaishi's poignant themes, attendees can expect to embrace the power of music reflecting on 80 years of history.
The concert holds importance for the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, as it not only celebrates their musical achievements over the past three and a half decades but also sets the stage for future artistic explorations under Hisaishi's direction. It is anticipated to be a hallmark event, where music will serve as both tribute and reflection upon the complex legacy of the years since the end of war.
With Joe Hisaishi at the helm, the orchestral community looks forward to how this concert will inspire the next generation of musicians and composers, fostering continued appreciation for the emotional and cultural power of music. The event is slated to resonate not just within the confines of concert halls but also within the hearts of those who have followed Hisaishi's career and the enduring impact of his work through decades.