Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi

Apr 23-26, 2026
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Joe Hisaishi

Overview

Dubbed “the John Williams of Japan” by Pitchfork, Joe Hisaishi is one of the most celebrated composers of our time. He is especially known for his acclaimed symphonic works as well as film scores — including Princess Mononoke, Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro. Hisaishi returns to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a suite from Hayao Miyazaki’s film Spirited Away, plus his Second Symphony and Castle in the Sky, featuring CSO Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallán.

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Schedule
Program
Hisaishi 

Symphony No. 2

Hisaishi

Castle in the Sky

Hisaishi 

Spirited Away Suite

Performers
Conductor and Piano
Principal Trumpet
The Adolph Herseth Principal Trumpet Chair, endowed by an anonymous benefactor

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When Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallán makes his solo debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center this week, it will be the culmination of a lifelong dream.
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