Japan orchestra makes animated choice
OrchestrasThe Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, of Toyonaka City, Osaka, has appointed as its music director the animation composer Joe Hisaishi. He is 72 years old and has never been music director before. He is, however, very famous for 40 years of Hayao Miyazaki films.
The orchestra is funded by a sake brewery.
For their sake, let’s hope they made a good choice. (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun).
Fun fact: Hisaishi has recorded a Beethoven cycle!
Hisaishi gives the impression of being a kind, joyous and collaborative conductor. I suspect the orchestra will enjoy having him as MD.
I suspect the orchestra management are hoping for something similar to when the Boston Pops appointed Williams
He can behave quite different when not facing public or orchestra musicians…still remember the experience of preparing special lunches (nothing about allergies, personal preference only) for him or facing his fury after the rehearsal, and allocating complimentary VIP tickets for his various in-laws and friends right before the concert…
Joe Hisaishi is basically the John Williams or Ennio Morricone of Japan, and everyone has to have their first go at doing something once. Smart move, I’d say. Am just surprised he had the time to fit it in -he is very much in demand.
Hisaishi formulated his alias inspired by American musician and composer Quincy Jones: “Quincy”, pronounced “Kuinshī” in Japanese, can be written using the same kanji in “Hisaishi”; and “Joe” came from “Jones.”