Joe Hisaishi Conducts the PSO

Globally renowned award-winning composer, musical director, conductor and pianist,?Joe Hisaishi, makes his long-awaited debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Hisaishi, who is best known for his epic concert works as well as enchanting film scores, takes to the podium to conduct his own compositions including a new concert version of music from the 2023 Golden-Globe winning Studio Ghibli Film, “The Boy and the Heron,” and the US Premiere of Hisaishi’s work, The End of the World. The PSO will be joined onstage by the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.

The End of the World by Joe Hisaishi was inspired by his visit to New York in the fall of 2007. He began composing the work in 2008. It explores the theme of "anxiety and chaos" resulting from the collapse of world order and values caused by the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Joe Hisaishi says, “I am honored to join the Pittsburgh Symphony this Fall for the first time. The centre of the concert, my work The End of the World, was written thinking of the people in the USA, and I'm excited for it to receive its US premiere in Pittsburgh alongside pieces that reflect on this mood, as well as new music which I hope this audience will enjoy.”

Performances:

SEP 13 SAT 7:30 PM
SEP 14 SUN 2:30 PM