Ghibli classics: The Boy and The Heron by candlelight

Step into the magic world imagined by Hayao Miyazaki with a live orchestral performance of the soundtrack from The Boy and the Heron. Join us in a dreamy atmosphere of church setting lightened by a flicker of hundreds of candles!

Performed by a chamber orchestra in the intimate setting of Kensington United Reformed Church, at the heart of London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the concert brings Joe Hisaishi’s breathtaking score to life. From tender melodies that reflect childhood wonder to sweeping orchestral passages evoking courage and loss, the music carries the audience through the dreamlike, emotional journey that has already touched hearts worldwide.

Joe Hisaishi is one of the most acclaimed film composers of our time, best known for his long-standing collaboration with Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. Born in Japan in 1950, he has written over 100 film scores and albums, with a style that blends classical tradition, minimalism, and Japanese folk influences. His music for films such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle has earned him international recognition, awards, and a devoted global following. Beyond film, Hisaishi is also an accomplished conductor and composer of symphonic works, bridging the worlds of cinema and concert music with unique artistry.

Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is celebrated as one of cinema’s greatest storytellers, known for masterpieces such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. With The Boy and the Heron, he offers what many call his final great work — a film about memory, imagination, and the fragile yet unbreakable ties between generations.

This concert is not just a performance, but a chance to experience Hisaishi’s music in its purest form — intimate, expressive, and deeply human — resonating in one of London’s most atmospheric venues!

Doors open at least 30 minutes before the concert.