The Art Music of Joe Hisaishi

The Art Music of Joe Hisaishi Join the Phoenix Collective Quartet as they open an enchanted gateway into the world of Studio Ghibli’s legendary composer in the 2026 Utzon Room concert film. This spellbinding program explores Joe Hisaishi’s celebrated scores for Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, bringing his sweeping cinematic themes to life through striking live performance. The centerpiece is Hisaishi’s beautiful String Quartet, each movement inspired by a work of the master graphic artist M.C. Escher—where the mysterious veils of illusion and playful trickery of Escher’s art find their counterpart in the genius of Hisaishi’s musical architecture. The program culminates with selections from some of his most‑loved anime scores, offering fans quirky fun and a discovery of new depths in this beloved composer’s oeuvre. For full details and tickets, see “Details & tickets.”