Joe Hisaishi Named LA Phil Composer-in-Residence in Five-Year Partnership Starting in 2027
The Los Angeles Philharmonic announced on October 22 that Japanese composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi has been named the orchestra's composer-in-residence for the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford under a five-year agreement.
The appointment will run from the 2027-28 season through the 2031-32 season and will include performances at the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford and Walt Disney Concert Hall, along with new works composed specifically for the LA Phil, recording projects and educational and community programs, according to the orchestra. Specific performances, commissions and other projects will be announced later.
Hisaishi is known for his scores for animated films, including 11 directed by Hayao Miyazaki such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away." He has written music for more than 100 films and has won several Japan Academy Film Prizes for music. In July 2026, he performed three sold-out concerts at the Hollywood Bowl featuring music from his film career.
"Los Angeles holds a special place in my musical life — from the premiere of my Harp Concerto with the LA Phil's Emmanuel Ceysson at Walt Disney Concert Hall to our recent performances at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford," Hisaishi said. "I am deeply honored to begin this new chapter as the LA Phil's Composer-in-Residence at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford."
Incoming LA Phil Music Director Daniel Harding said Hisaishi's music is both deeply important and widely loved, bringing people together across generations and cultures, and that a five-year partnership gives the orchestra time to build something meaningful and reach new audiences. LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy said the partnership will support new compositions and expand the orchestra's educational and community programming.
Hisaishi began his solo career in 1981 and has released nearly 40 albums. His 2023 Deutsche Grammophon recording "A Symphonic Celebration" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Classical Albums and Classical Crossover Albums charts. He became the first music director of the New Japan Philharmonic's World Dream Orchestra in 2004 and launched his "Joe Hisaishi presents MUSIC FUTURE" concert series in 2014.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：作曲家、指挥家久石让在舞台上（2011年，资料图）。citykane 摄，CC BY 2.0，Wikimedia Commons。Photo: Composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi on stage (2011, file photo). By citykane, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
