Chihiro in Music Country - anime music concert

Keep your eyes on the Far East! Says a widely shared view that the future of classical music lies not only in Europe and the United States, but also in Asia. It is not just the young virtuoso musicians that are discovered year in year out that mark the rise of the East, but also the fusion that is creating its own colours and forms by bringing together the two worlds. The First Far Eastern Classical Music Festival, launched by Gábor Farkas, showcases the rich musical culture of Japan. Sunday evening's gala concert will focus on bamboo instruments and the classic sounds of Japanese music.

Anime is not just a type of cartoon, it is one of Japan's best-selling cultural exports, having evolved from comic art into a genre in its own right that appeals to children and adults alike, and which has attracted millions of fans worldwide. While acknowledging that achievement, the most respected anime artist, writer and director Hayao Miyazaki warns against overdoing the adoration and says that life is always more important than the cartoon and that reality speaks louder than fiction. His sensitivity to the world has led to the success of Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Our concert will not only feature Studio Ghibli's sweeping piano, violin, cello and vocal film scores, but also some treasured melodies from Western classical music – Handel, Liszt, Puccini and Cassado. We trust that the deep affinity between the two worlds will not remain a mystery to the listener.