Join the SGV Symphony for a moonlit Mid-Autumn Festival Concert featuring Ayane Nakajima, music from Studio Ghibli and Gerswhin in a magical blend of East and West.
Get TicketsThe San Gabriel Valley Symphony’s Mid-Autumn Festival Concert, conducted by Artistic Director Alex Deng, offers a powerful evening of cinematic music, emotional depth, and cross-cultural reflection. The program opens with the U.S. premiere of Variations on a Raindrop by Chinese New Zealand composer Simon J. Li. Through delicate phrasing and lyrical transparency, the work captures the meditative stillness and quiet awe of falling rain. Next, the orchestra presents a symphonic variation on “Merry-Go-Round” and “Cave of Mind” from Howl’s Moving Castle, a sweeping reimagination of two of Joe Hisaishi’s most iconic themes. The world premiere of Echoes of a Journey’s End by Korean American composer William Jae follows. Deeply introspective and cinematic, the work reflects on personal transformation and the emotional weight of memory. The first half concludes with the complete Symphonic Suite from Kiki’s Delivery Service, tracing the emotional arc of Kiki’s coming of age through vibrant orchestration and thematic storytelling.
Intermission
The second half begins with George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, performed by Ayane Nakajima. A cornerstone of American music, the concerto fuses classical structure with jazz harmony and rhythmic drive, channeling the energy of 1920s New York. Following the concerto, Ayane Nakajima exits the stage to welcome special guest artist Eunike Tanzil, who performs her original work Pink Sakura. This tender and expressive piece is the second single from Tanzil’s upcoming debut album The First of Everything, to be released on Deutsche Grammophon. Reflecting on formative life experiences, the piece embodies her signature blend of orchestral minimalism and cinematic storytelling. Ayane Nakjima returns to the stage with Spirited Away Suite, transporting audiences into the magical and otherworldly soundscape of one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films. The evening concludes with My Neighbor Totoro, celebrating childlike wonder, innocence, and the enduring joy of imagination.
This concert reflects the San Gabriel Valley Symphony’s mission to elevate underrepresented voices and expand the boundaries of what an orchestra can be, featuring works by AAPI composers alongside iconic film music and American classics.
Located in the heart of San Gabriel's historic Mission District, the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is a beautifully preserved Spanish-style theater that has been a cornerstone of the community since 1927.
Get directions: 320 S. Mission Dr., San Gabriel, CA 91776
Adjacent Lot: The parking lot next to the Playhouse offers 178 spaces. Parking is free on non-event days and costs $15 during performances .
Additional Options: Free parking is available at the Park & Ride lot located at 257 S. Mission Dr., just half a block west of the Playhouse, as well as on nearby streets
To ensure a smooth experience, it's advisable to arrive at least 60 minutes before your event. This allows ample time for parking, locating your seat, and exploring the historic venue. Latecomers will be seated during an appropriate pause in the performance, at the discretion of the house staff.
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The San Gabriel Valley Symphony is a professional orchestra created by working musicians and local leaders to reflect and serve the San Gabriel Valley—focusing on community engagement and social impact. Our mission is to show the next generation in the SGV that a career in the arts is not only possible, but capable of creating real change in their communities and beyond.
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