The San Gabriel Valley Symphony’s Mid-Autumn Festival Concert, conducted by Artistic Director Alex Deng, presents an emotionally resonant evening of cinematic storytelling and cross-cultural artistry. The program opens with 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. It continues with a four-minute suite from Kiki’s Delivery Service, capturing the warmth, charm, and quiet strength of a young witch carving out her path in the world.

The world premiere of Echoes from Journey’s End by Korean American composer William Jae follows. Meditative and cinematic, this piece explores personal turning points and the weight of memory through sweeping textures and emotional clarity. The first half closes with the Spirited Away Suite, immersing audiences in the magical, otherworldly soundscape that defined one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films.

After a short pause, the second half begins with the U.S. premiere of Variations on a Raindrop by Chinese New Zealand composer Simon J. Li. Through delicate phrasing and lyrical depth, the piece captures the stillness and quiet awe of falling rain. Pianist Ayane Nakajima then takes the spotlight in George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, a vibrant fusion of classical structure and jazz rhythm that channels the cultural dynamism of 1920s New York. The evening concludes with selections from My Neighbor Totoro, bringing to life the innocence, joy, and imagination that have made the film a timeless treasure.

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, the program affirms a future where orchestral music is accessible, representative, and deeply connected to community.

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