Joe Hisaishi - Symphony No. 3; Harp Concerto

Information

Composer: Joe Hisaishi

• Symphony No. 3 "Metaphysica"
• Harp Concerto

Emmanuel Ceysson, harp

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Joe Hisaishi, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Universal Music

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Internationally acclaimed Japanese composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra alongside celebrated harpist Emmanuel Ceysson in a landmark world-premiere recording. The album pairs Hisaishi’s Symphony No. 3 ‘Metaphysica’ with his new harp concerto, a virtuosic, genre-defying work written specifically for Ceysson. Drawing on Hisaishi’s cinematic background, the concerto subverts traditional expectations of the harp by delivering a bold, rhythmic, and dynamic voice. Meanwhile, Symphony No. 3, commissioned for the New Japan Philharmonic’s 50th anniversary, explores "sonic movement" across three tightly structured, vividly expressive movements. Together, these compositions showcase Hisaishi’s brilliant orchestral innovation and expressive depth.

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.