REVIEW: Magic comes alive in 'The Symphonic World of Studio Ghibli'
When it comes to anime films, few names carry the same magic as Studio Ghibli. For decades, the Japanese animation studio has captivated audiences around the world with films that turn ordinary moments into something wondrous.
From a young girl befriending a friendly wood spirit in My Neighbor Totoro to a girl discovering a mysterious world of spirits in Spirited Away, each story delightfully weaves in lessons about childhood, adventure, nature, and growing up. And while its films are unforgettable in their own right, much of that magic lives in the music—particularly the enchanting compositions of Hayao Miyazaki’s longtime collaborator Joe Hisaishi.
That music took center stage at The Symphonic World of Studio Ghibli, Film Concerts PH’s second independent production, held at The Theatre at Solaire from July 31 to Aug. 2. The concert brings Hisaishi’s beloved scores to life through the 83-piece Filharmonika Orchestra, conducted by Gerard Salonga.
The music takes on an added layer of significance, as Salonga highlighted that these are the same orchestral compositions that Hisaishi himself conducts and performs in his live concerts.
The audience is first treated to a suite of the music from the 1989 film Kiki's Delivery Service, which follows a young witch named Kiki who moves to the port city of Koriko with her cat Jiji and starts a flying courier service.
Even without the film playing onscreen, the music paints every scene with remarkable clarity. The gentle opening evokes the quiet excitement of setting off on a journey for the very first time, before giving way to bright melodies that seem to soar effortlessly through the concert hall. It's difficult not to picture Kiki gliding above rooftops, weaving between clouds with her broomstick as the orchestra breathes life into every rise and fall of Hisaishi's score.
As the music shifts between playful and reflective, it mirrors Kiki's own journey—from the thrill of newfound independence to the moments of self-doubt that shape her into the person she becomes.
For the My Neighbor Totoro suite, the show adds a theatrical touch through narration by actor Alex Diaz. Rather than simply moving from one musical piece to the next, Diaz gently guides the audience through the story, recounting the adventures of sisters Satsuki and Mei as they settle into the countryside and encounter the gentle forest spirit Totoro.
Through the narration, the performance transforms into a storybook unfolding onstage as the orchestra captures the heart of the film with remarkable tenderness, reminding the audience of the scenes where Satsuki and Mei wander through quiet fields and believe that magic could be waiting just beyond the trees.
If My Neighbor Totoro captures the quiet wonder of childhood, the music from the 2004 film Howl's Moving Castle sweeps fans into a world of grand romance and fantasy.
From its very first notes, the iconic Merry-Go-Round of Life theme fills the theater with an almost dreamlike elegance. Its delicate opening gradually blossoms into a rich orchestral swell. One moment, the suite dances with lighthearted whimsy, then the next, it carries a captivating sense of magic and chaos of Howl's enchanted world.
Last but definitely not least, the Spirited Away suite brings the evening to a breathtaking close as it takes listeners straight into the heart of Chihiro's journey through the spirit world.
As someone who has frequently listened to the piece The Name of Life whenever I find myself drawn to something melancholic, hearing it performed live made me have a deeper appreciation of just how special the film is to my childhood.
Every note seemed to carry the weight of Chihiro’s journey from uncertainty to courage that Hisaishi captured so brilliantly in Miyazaki’s masterpiece. And as the suite progressed, the orchestra effortlessly swept us through the entire emotional spectrum of the film, bringing back memories of the tension I felt when No-Face chased after Chihiro and the awe I experienced as my eyes took in the beautiful scenery during the iconic train sequence.
The Symphonic World of Studio Ghibli is more than a concert celebrating these beloved anime films—it is a reminder of the emotions that made these stories timeless in the first place. Through Hisaishi’s unforgettable compositions, the Filharmonika Orchestra and Salonga allowed fans to revisit moments of wonder, joy, and nostalgia and made them realize that the impact of Studio Ghibli wouldn't have been possible without the music.
Disclaimer: PhilSTAR L!fe is an official media partner of The Symphonic World of Studio Ghibli.