If you’ve ever wanted to hear the music of My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, or Ponyo performed live under the open sky, this is your moment.
Legendary composer Joe Hisaishi returns to the Hollywood Bowl from July 21-23 conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a three-night-only celebration of his most beloved film scores.
As the Bowl’s 2026 Composer in Focus, Hisaishi will guide audiences through an unforgettable evening of orchestral music paired with iconic film clips from his decades-long career.
What Joe Hisaishi will perform at the Hollywood Bowl
Hisaishi’s work has shaped the emotional core of Studio Ghibli films for more than 40 years, in collaboration with filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. His music has become inseparable from the stories themselves, elevating classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Ponyo.
The program will also feature selections from his acclaimed collaborations with director Takeshi Kitano, offering a broader look at one of the most influential composers in modern film.
Special guests and live performers
The evening will feature a full lineup of performers joining Hisaishi on stage:
- Joe Hisaishi, conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Mai Fujisawa, vocalist
- Los Angeles Philharmonic
- California State University, Fullerton University Singers, directed by Dr. Robert Istad
Together, they’ll bring Hisaishi’s most recognizable themes to life in a cinematic live experience at one of L.A.’s most iconic venues.
What to know before you go
As with most LA Phil Hollywood Bowl performances, guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic and enjoy the evening before the show begins.
- Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
- Performance begins at 8:00 p.m.
- Beer and wine are allowed (no spirits)
- Coolers and baskets must fit under seats or in designated box seating
- Food is welcome inside the venue
Arriving early is highly recommended to enjoy the full pre-show atmosphere under the summer sky.
📍 Location: Hollywood Bowl (2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068)
📅 Dates: Tuesday, July 21 – Thursday, July 23, 2026
