This concert is a tribute to the successful collaboration between two legendary artists: composer Joe Hisaishi and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Together they have created unique film art for the Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. Joe Hisaishi is a Japanese composer, conductor and pianist. He has scored over a hundred films. The concert features music and film clips from the world-famous animated films My Neighbour Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

Netticket.fi & Studio Ticket: 28€
Tickets at the door 30€ (if available)
Balcony K-18

The concert is led by conductor Kristian Heberg, who has served as the Artistic Director of the Vaasa Choir Festival since 2019. He is a passionate fan of anime films and admires not only Studio Ghibli films but also their music. Kristian embraced the challenge together with Wasa Sinfonietta, a versatile and fearless amateur symphony orchestra from Vaasa that was awarded the 2024 Vaasa Cultural Act of the Year based on a public vote.

Wasa Sinfonietta includes approximately 30 to 50 musicians, ranging from students to retirees, and its concert repertoire is diverse, covering nearly every genre of music. The idea for this anniversary concert celebrating Studio Ghibl’s 40-year journey came from within the orchestra itself—just like last year’s sold-out Licence To Play II concerts, which featured all the theme songs from the James Bond films. For this reason, the orchestra recommends purchasing tickets for this magnificent concert well in advance while seats are still available, as seating is limited. An unforgettable musical experience with anime film music awaits at Ritz in Vaasa.

Wasa Sinfonietta activities have been supported by the City of Vaasa, Kulturfonden, the Viljo and Maire Vuorio Foundation, and Helkaharju Oy.