Review: Hayao Miyazaki’s Dreams by Mystery Ensemble
Joe Hisaishi’s scores are brought to life in this magical evening of music in honour of Studio Ghibli
Image via Rubie McDermott
Studio Ghibli is perhaps one of the most successful animation studios in the world, recognised for its distinctive art style and host of iconic characters from Totoro to No-Face. With the upcoming UK release of Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron and the arrival of Spirited Away to the London Coliseum next summer, the studio continues to be met with success and international acclaim. This fervour was certainly embodied in the lively atmosphere that enveloped the West Road Concert Hall on Wednesday 25th October, as a packed audience awaited the commencement of the Mystery Ensemble’s concert suitably titled, ‘Hayao Miyazaki’s Dreams.’.
Describing themselves as a touring group of musicians, ‘performing unique programmes on non-standard venues’ around the UK, the Mystery Ensemble has garnered a substantial repertoire of dearly loved scores from some of cinema’s most celebrated composers. On this night, the composer of choice was Joe Hisaishi, the long-time collaborator of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki. Hisaishi’s musical scores have become iconic in their own right, creating the enchanting spirit which is so closely associated with Miyazaki’s productions. Enchanting was certainly the word to use for the Mystery Ensemble’s performance.
The night’s programme made perfect homage to Hisaishi’s monumental works, whilst also acknowledging the composer’s stylistic influence on other musicians. Therefore, it is fitting that the ensemble opened with ‘One Summer’s Day’ from the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away, perhaps one of the most iconic themes in recent animated cinema. The following pieces touched on a variety of beloved Ghibli films, including Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbour Totoro. The inclusion of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was an especially heartwarming addition to the programme, a nod to Hisaishi’s first collaboration with Studio Ghibli back in 1984. Yet, intertwined between these scores were acknowledgements to composers inspired by both Hisashi and Miyazaki, such as John Cage and Ikue Asazaki. This was a unique and effective choice for a tribute concert dedicated to the wonderful world of Miyazaki’s works and a reminder as to how Ghibli media has continued to inspire creatives. Unfortunately, programs were conspicuously absent on the evening, which made it difficult to identify unfamiliar songs. As much as it spurred curiosity, to be able to follow these additional scores from Cage and Asazaki would have elevated this effort to celebrate other composers. However, the majority of Ghibli fans would have no trouble distinguishing between the rest of the iconic film scores.
Despite a minor logistical complaint about programmes, the concert was nothing short of excellent. What appeared to be a small ensemble of six musicians, (consisting of violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano), was able to impressively fill the West Road concert hall with full and energetic renditions of Ghibli classics. The largest applause of the night went to a swirling and sparkling rendition of ‘The Merry-Go-Round of Life’ from Howl’s Moving Castle, to which smiles were abound from musicians and audience members alike.
Overall, this was a joyful evening celebrating both Miyazaki and Hisaishi’s contributions to film and music, as well as the Mystery Ensemble itself. It is worth mentioning however, that ticket prices were fairly high from a student’s perspective (around £18 for a balcony seat with a slightly obstructed view). Yet for a hardcore Studio Ghibli fan, the cost felt mostly worth an evening in escape from degree responsibilities, and a beautiful homage to films which have cemented themselves amongst cinema’s best. Of course, for a night named after Hayao Miyazaki, this was a concert which really emphasised the star-power of Joe Hisaishi. It is thanks to a wonderfully talented ensemble that Hisaishi’s work could be fully appreciated live in concert whilst demonstrating the impact that Studio Ghibli’s iconic scores have had on both the musician and the concert goer.