LA Phil Appoints Joe Hisaishi Composer-in-Residence
The renowned composer will begin a five-year residency with the orchestra starting in the 2027-28 season.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Classical
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The Los Angeles Philharmonic has named prolific composer Joe Hisaishi as its new composer-in-residence. This appointment marks the beginning of a five-year partnership spanning the 2027-28 through 2031-32 seasons.
Why it matters
The residency aims to foster innovation through new musical commissions and collaborative educational projects. By integrating Hisaishi's work into local programs, the LA Phil seeks to expand its reach and artistic offerings across Los Angeles.
Hisaishi brings a massive catalog to the residency, having composed music for more than 100 films and released approximately 40 albums. His career dates back to the launch of his solo work in 1981.
The players
Joe Hisaishi
A highly acclaimed composer known for writing music for over 100 films and leading various orchestral projects.
Los Angeles Philharmonic
A world-renowned orchestra based in Los Angeles that manages major performance venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Joe Hisaishi Foundation
An organization that will collaborate with the LA Phil to develop community engagement and educational initiatives.
The details
The residency will feature performances across multiple Los Angeles venues, including the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Activities will include new musical commissions, recording projects, and community engagement initiatives developed with the Joe Hisaishi Foundation.
Timeline
1981: Joe Hisaishi began his solo career.
2004: Hisaishi became music director of the World Dream Orchestra.
2014: The Music Future concert series was launched.
July 2026: Hisaishi performed three concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.
2027-2032: The official five-year residency term is scheduled.
Industry Dynamics
This partnership highlights the trend of major orchestras bridging the gap between classical concert halls and expansive multimedia storytelling. It positions the LA Phil to attract diverse audiences by leveraging Hisaishi's vast experience in film composition and global concert series.
Local music lovers can expect expanded programming at the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and Walt Disney Concert Hall throughout the five-year term. The collaboration promises new opportunities to see live performances of original works composed specifically for the orchestra.
The takeaway
The residency signals a significant fusion of film-score mastery and orchestral tradition in the city's musical landscape. Fans of Hisaishi's work should prepare for a multi-year series of performances that will introduce his unique sound to local stages.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene in our Classical section.
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