Joe Hisaishi named LA Phil composer-in-residence

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced a significant addition to its creative team with the appointment of acclaimed Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi as composer-in-residence. This new role will span five seasons, beginning with the 2027/28 season and continuing through 2031/32, marking a long-term commitment to collaboration and innovation.

Hisaishi, aged 75, is internationally celebrated for his extensive body of work, which includes symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and scores for film. He is perhaps best known for his enduring musical partnership with filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, which has brought a distinct voice to animated cinema. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Hisaishi’s concert repertoire is respected for its breadth and emotional depth.

This residency will involve recurring performances of Hisaishi’s works at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and other LA Phil venues, ensuring his music is a regular feature in the orchestra’s programming. In addition to performing existing compositions, Hisaishi will create new works specifically commissioned by the orchestra, enriching its contemporary repertoire.

The partnership also extends beyond performance. The collaboration includes recording projects that will document and disseminate Hisaishi’s compositions to a wider audience. Furthermore, there is a strong educational component: working alongside the Joe Hisaishi Foundation, the LA Philharmonic plans to develop community outreach initiatives designed to engage diverse audiences and nurture emerging talent.

Hisaishi’s appointment reflects a broader trend among leading orchestras to incorporate voices that bridge classical and popular music spheres. His ability to blend traditional orchestral forms with cinematic sensibilities offers the LA Philharmonic an opportunity to reach both dedicated classical audiences and new listeners drawn to his film music.

In addition to this new residency, Hisaishi holds positions with other major orchestras, including serving as composer-in-residence with the Philadelphia Orchestra and composer-in-association with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. These roles underscore his stature in the international music scene and his ongoing influence across multiple countries.

The LA Philharmonic’s engagement with Hisaishi signals an investment in a creative partnership that promises fresh compositions, innovative programming, and expanded educational outreach over the coming years. While specific details about the commissioned works and community programs remain limited for now, the collaboration is poised to make a significant impact on the orchestra’s artistic direction.

This appointment highlights the LA Philharmonic’s commitment to cultivating meaningful relationships with contemporary composers and expanding its repertoire with internationally recognized artists. Hisaishi’s blend of classical and cinematic music is expected to invigorate the orchestra’s offerings and contribute to its mission of artistic excellence and audience development.

As the 2027/28 season approaches, audiences and the wider music community will watch closely for the debut of Hisaishi’s new compositions with the LA Philharmonic, as well as the unfolding of educational and recording initiatives tied to his residency. This partnership exemplifies the orchestra’s forward-looking approach to programming and community engagement.