Ryuichi Sakamoto & Studio Ghibli Film Music Concert brings together music from iconic films and animated classics in one live orchestral performance. Performed by the Zhongxi Philharmonic Orchestra, the program features works from films including Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, The Last Emperor, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more.

About the Concert

This concert centers around film music by Ryuichi Sakamoto alongside beloved works connected to Studio Ghibli films and Japanese cinema. The program moves between cinematic orchestral pieces, piano-led compositions, and emotionally driven melodies from internationally acclaimed films and animations.

Selections from Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and The Last Emperor highlight Sakamoto’s signature blend of Eastern and Western musical influences, while Studio Ghibli favorites such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Castle in the Sky bring familiar melodies to the stage in a live orchestral setting.

The performance also includes works from films such as Monster, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ponyo, and Departures.

Orchestra

The Zhongxi Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional ensemble formed by graduates from institutions including the Central Conservatory of Music, China Conservatory of Music, Shenyang Conservatory of Music, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, and Sichuan Conservatory of Music.

The orchestra includes master’s and doctoral graduates as well as professional second- and third-level performers from China and overseas. Since 2019, the ensemble has toured theaters across China, performing themed concerts at venues including Tianjin Jinwan Theatre, Hefei Grand Theatre, Shengjing Grand Theatre in Shenyang, Shijiazhuang White Theatre, and Harbin Global Theatre.

Program

1. The Sheltering Sky — The Sheltering Sky
2. Agua — Monster
3. Energy Flow — from Ryuichi Sakamoto’s album BTTB
4. Summer — Kikujiro
5. The Last Emperor — The Last Emperor
6. Rain — The Last Emperor
7. One Summer’s Day — Spirited Away
8. Always With Me — Spirited Away
9. The Promise of the World — Howl’s Moving Castle
10. Merry-Go-Round of Life — Howl’s Moving Castle
11. Castle in the Sky — Castle in the Sky
12. Princess Mononoke — Princess Mononoke
13. A Town with an Ocean View — Kiki’s Delivery Service
14. Memory — Departures (Piano & Cello)
15. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea — Ponyo
16. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence — Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Why Go

For audiences familiar with Japanese cinema and animation, this concert offers a chance to hear iconic soundtracks performed live by a full orchestra. The program combines Ryuichi Sakamoto’s film compositions with well-known Studio Ghibli melodies, moving between intimate piano themes and large-scale cinematic arrangements.

The concert is also accessible for casual listeners, with many recognizable pieces from films that have become cultural touchstones across generations.