The San Gabriel Valley Symphony’s Mid-Autumn Festival Concert, conducted by Artistic Director Alex Deng, brings together a 100-piece orchestra for an unforgettable evening of cinematic music, emotional depth, and cross-cultural reflection.

The program opens with the world premiere of Every Living Breathing Moment by American composer Grant Steller. A viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram, the work has reached millions through its raw emotional immediacy and cinematic sweep. On stage, its orchestral debut transforms the piece into a stirring meditation on resilience and renewal.

Next comes 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 orchestra then presents Farewell by Indonesian composer Eunike Tanzil, a work of poignant lyricism and understated intimacy. The first half continues with the world premiere of Echoes from a Journey’s End by Korean American composer William Jae, a deeply introspective, cinematic reflection on transformation and memory. The opening half concludes with the complete Kiki’s Delivery Service Suite, tracing the emotional arc of Kiki’s coming of age, followed by Joe Hisaishi’s Stand Alone, performed by guest vocalist Mitamu (Tammy Huynh).

After intermission, the program turns to 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. George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F follows, performed by Ayane Nakajima. A cornerstone of American music, the concerto fuses classical structure with jazz harmony and rhythmic drive, channeling the vibrant spirit of 1920s New York. Guest artist Eunike Tanzil then takes the stage once again to perform the world premiere of her original work Pink Sakura, a tender and expressive piano solo from her upcoming debut album The First of Everything, to be released on Deutsche Grammophon. Ayane Nakajima returns to lead the orchestra in the Spirited Away Suite, transporting audiences into the magical and otherworldly soundscape of one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films. The evening closes 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—all brought to life by a 100-piece orchestra.

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