Information
Composer: Steve Reich; Joe Hisaishi
- Reich - The Desert Music
- Hisaishi - The End of the World
Ella Taylor, soprano
The Philharmonic Chorus of Tokyo
Future Orchestra Classics
Joe Hisaishi, conductor
Date: 2025
Label: Universal Music
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Joe Hisaishi Conducts documents his 31 July 2024 Suntory Hall concert, featuring his own The End of the World and Steve Reich’s The Desert Music. Originally inspired by a 2007 visit to New York, Hisaishi’s work evolved from a three- to five-movement suite exploring post-9/11 chaos. Reich’s piece draws on three American deserts of personal and historical resonance. Performing with Future Orchestra Classics—founded by Hisaishi to attract new classical audiences—he was joined by The Philharmonic Chorus of Tokyo and soprano Ella Taylor. The digital-only album captures the vivid collaboration of these young, expressive musicians.
Joe Hisaishi (b. 1950) is a renowned Japanese composer, conductor, and pianist, acclaimed for both his symphonic works and iconic film scores. With nearly 40 solo albums and over 100 film scores, he is in high demand worldwide, conducting leading orchestras such as the Toronto, Chicago, and Vienna symphonies. A Deutsche Grammophon exclusive artist, his releases include A Symphonic Celebration and Joe Hisaishi in Vienna. Passionate about contemporary music, he collaborates with innovators like Philip Glass and Bryce Dessner, curates the MUSIC FUTURE series, and mentors young composers. Honored with Japan’s Medal of Honor and Order of the Rising Sun, he will become Music Director of Japan Century Symphony in 2025.
