Joe Hisaishi: Symphony No. 3 & Harp Concerto
On Symphony No. 3 & Harp Concerto, the internationally acclaimed Japanese composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi brings together the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the renowned harpist Emmanuel Ceysson. The album unites two major works in a world-premiere recording: Hisaishi’s Symphony No. 3 “Metaphysica” and a new harp concerto written especially for Ceysson.
In this way, the recording combines symphonic grandeur with soloistic virtuosity and Hisaishi’s unmistakable musical language, poised between cinematic poetry and contemporary classical music.
A Harp Concerto That Reimagines the Harp
The idea for the harp concerto took shape in 2023, following Hisaishi’s performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl before an audience of 17,500. Working closely with Emmanuel Ceysson, he developed a three-movement work that explores the sonic possibilities of the harp anew.
Far removed from familiar notions of gentle restraint, the concerto reveals a bold, dynamic voice: carried by driving rhythms, moments of introspection and a dance-like energy that culminates in a powerful, electrifying finale.
Symphony No. 3 “Metaphysica”: Sound in Motion
The album is complemented by Hisaishi’s Symphony No. 3 “Metaphysica”, commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the New Japan Philharmonic and premiered in 2021 under the composer’s baton. Conceived as an exploration of “sonic movement”, the symphony unfolds across three sections (existence, where are we going? and substance), whose finely structured rhythmic and harmonic processes grow into expressive soundscapes.
Joe Hisaishi: From Cinema to the Concert Hall
Joe Hisaishi ranks among Japan’s most influential composers. He achieved worldwide fame through his decades-long collaboration with Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, on films such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.
Since 2023 he has been an exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist, with the label presenting the full breadth of his work as composer, conductor and pianist. Following A Symphonic Celebration, Joe Hisaishi in Vienna and Joe Hisaishi Conducts, Symphony No. 3 & Harp Concerto marks the next chapter in this series.
Symphony No. 3 & Harp Concerto on CD, Vinyl and in Dolby Atmos
Released on 24 July 2026, the album brings together composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi, soloist Emmanuel Ceysson and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Deutsche Grammophon. It is available in digital, CD and vinyl formats, with the vinyl editions including a black LP and a premium Crystal Clear double LP in a gatefold sleeve. For a particularly immersive listening experience, the recording is also available in Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos.
Discover Symphony No. 3 & Harp Concerto Now
Experience Symphony No. 3 & Harp Concerto by Joe Hisaishi, featuring Emmanuel Ceysson and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Stream the album on STAGE+ in the highest video and audio quality, or discover the physical editions in the DG Store.
