Joe Hisaishi – Conducts

Joe Hisaishi – Conducts captures an extraordinary live performance from Tokyo’s renowned Suntory Hall, recorded on 31 July 2024 and released on the legendary Deutsche Grammophon label. Best known worldwide for his iconic film scores and long-standing collaboration with Studio Ghibli, Hisaishi here steps firmly into the world of contemporary classical music as conductor, composer and interpreter.

Performed by the Future Orchestra Classics (FOC), an ensemble founded by Hisaishi to inspire new generations of classical music listeners, this stunning 2LP set presents the Japanese premiere of Steve Reich’s acclaimed masterpiece The Desert Music alongside Hisaishi’s own ambitious symphonic work The End of the World. The performance also features The Philharmonic Chorus of Tokyo and soprano Ella Taylor.

From Reich’s hypnotic rhythmic structures to the cinematic grandeur and emotional intensity of Hisaishi’s writing, Conducts showcases two visionary composers connected through friendship, innovation and a shared commitment to pushing classical music forward. Beautifully recorded and pressed across two vinyl LPs, this release is an essential addition for collectors of contemporary classical music, modern composition and Joe Hisaishi’s ever-expanding catalogue.