'The Symphonic World of Studio Ghibli' arrives in Manila this July
Fans of the whimsical Studio Ghibli are in for a treat. The Symphonic World of Studio Ghibli is coming to Manila in July, to be performed live by the Filharmonika Orchestra under the baton of Gerard Salonga.
The performance will feature original scores showcasing the music of Joe Hisaishi. For nearly 40 years, Hisaishi's music sheets have accompanied the steampunk house in Howl's Moving Castle as it crawled over the countryside; championed Chihiro as she worked in the bathhouse in Spirited Away; made Totoro even more lovable in My Neighbor Totoro; and were right there when Kiki launched her high-flying courier service in Kiki's Delivery Service.
Aside from his work for Studio Ghibli, Hisaishi released almost 40 albums. In 2023, his album A Symphonic Celebration for Deutsche Grammophon appeared at the top of both the US Billboard Classical Albums and the Classical Crossover charts. He has also scored over 80 films worldwide.
This year, Hisaishi serves as the composer-in-focus of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, following his turn as composer-in-residence of the Philadelphia Orchestra in October 2025, and as music director of the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra since April 2025.
The quirky world Hisaishi collaborated on with Studio Ghibli co-founder and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki has been firing up audiences' imaginations since 1985. Co-founded by Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli is an animation studio that uses hand-drawn animation and original works, making its feature-length films even more alluring.
Studio Ghibli's global popularity is particularly pronounced in the Philippines. In 2024, Miyazaki was granted the Ramon Magsaysay Award. The distinction is reserved for Asian individuals and organizations whose contributions to their respective fields are exceptional.
What to expect
More than just presenting a nostalgic trip, the concert celebrating the music of Studio Ghibli is also an official commemorative event of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year 2026. This year, the two nations mark the 70th year of normalized diplomatic relations.
There will be four performances of The Symphonic World of Studio Ghibli: July 31, 8 p.m.; Aug. 1, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Aug. 2, 2 p.m.
Below is the seat map for the upcoming event that will be held at The Theatre at Solaire.
In keeping with the fun vibes of the event, do come and enjoy the music in Studio Ghibli cosplay.
From April 24 to 27, UnionBank Credit and Debit Cardholders can get an exclusive 10% discount on tickets for Tiers A, B, and C. Public ticket sales will open on April 28 at 12 p.m. at Ticketworld.
