Joe Hisaishi appointed RPO composer-in-association

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has announced that Joe Hisaishi has been appointed as the orchestra’s new composer-in-association. Hisaishi’s appointment follows the appointment of Sarah Bardwell to the role of managing director with the orchestras, and his three-year tenure will include new commissions and studio recordings with the orchestra, plus performances with the RPO worldwide.

Effective from 6 April, the orchestra’s partnership with the Japanese composer was marked by concerts in Paris over the weekend. The RPO will return to London with its new composer-in-association in November with two sold-out concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, and Hisaishi is also set to be involved with the orchestra’s upcoming digital projects.

RPO’s recently-appointed director of artistic planning and partnerships Tom Philpott said: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Joe Hisaishi to the RPO – an enormously talented conductor, composer and pianist and a ground-breaking artist in terms of opening up the world of orchestral music to more diverse audiences. Maestro Hisaishi’s arrival will make a significant contribution towards realising the RPO’s mission to enrich lives through orchestral experiences that are uncompromising in their excellence and inclusive in their appeal.’ 

As well as creating music for 11 globally successful films by Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki, Hisaishi signed with Deutsche Grammophon in March 2023, releasing his first album of the partnership,Symphonic Celebration, in June. About his new role, Hisaishi said: ‘I am deeply honoured to become Composer-in-Association with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.  I am very much looking forward to collaborating with this wonderful Orchestra on some very exciting projects.’