Composer Joe Hisaishi to release orchestral arrangements of Studio Ghibli songs on vinyl

This one’s for both Studio Ghibli fans and vinyl junkies. Joe Hisaishi, the long-time composer for Studio Ghibli, is teaming up with Deutsche Grammophon to release a collection of symphonic arrangements this June.

Titled ‘A Symphonic Celebration’, album comprises 12 orchestral arrangements of some of Hisaishi's compositions from popular Ghibli movies such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle and My Neighbor Totoro.

Hisaishi's music has been widely praised for its ability to capture the spirit of Studio Ghibli's films and transport listeners to the magical worlds while watching the visual masterpieces…and now Deutsche Grammophon lends a hand in transporting listeners through vinyl.

"I love the fact that Deutsche Grammophon pays special attention to both creativity and sound quality," says the Japanese composer. "Working with its team of dedicated professionals to conjure new symphonic worlds for classical music lovers will be a joy."

Read this next: Studio Ghibli meets Star Wars on an animated short

Fan-favourite track ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ from the 2004 film Howl’s Moving Castle has also been newly arranged by Hisaishi for the orchestra. The Japanese composer has recently released a video recorded in London with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of the track; watch it below.

Read this next: Studio Ghibli's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya soundtrack to be issued on vinyl

Collectors will be able to get their hands on a black, clear, sky blue or picture disc vinyl of ‘A Symphonic Celebration' starting June 30. Peek the tracklist and album art below.

Tracklist:
1. Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind
2. Kiki’s Delivery Service
3. Princess Mononoke
4. The Wind Rises
5. Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea
6. Castle In The Sky
7. Porco Rosso
8. Howl’s Moving Castle
9. Spirited Away
10. My Neighbor Totoro
11. Merry-Go-Round of Life from 'Howl’s Moving Castle'
12. One Summer’s Day The Name of Life English Version from 'Spirited Away'

Adrianna Cheung is Mixmag Asia’s Culture Curator, follow her on Instagram.