Ghibli classics: The Boy and The Heron by Mystery Ensemble

Step into the magic world imagined by Hayao Miyazaki with a live orchestral performance of the soundtrack from The Boy and the Heron. 

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!

Duration: 60 minutes (doors will open 30 mins prior to the scheduled start time and late entry is not permitted)

Age restriction: 6+

Doors open at least 30 minutes before the concert.

Out of respect for guests and performers, late entry may not be permitted. We cannot guarantee your original seats after the concert begins.

About Mystery Ensemble

Mystery Ensemble is a group of professional musicians performing unique programs on non-standard venues around the UK.

Experience outstanding works from different eras, experimental music, tributes, and world soundtracks of films and series, as well as absolutely unique programs and immersive shows. All music presented in author’s arrangements. With the possibility of independent choice of the program, unexpected locations, and flexibility of the format, our team of professional musicians is inspired to bring their favorite music to life.

Founded in 2021, our studio of contemporary music has grown rapidly, with over 40 shows in the UK in its first year of performing. Our founder, Almin Alexander, has devoted more than 12 years of his life to the music industry and the development of cultural initiatives around the world, working with many outstanding musicians and musical groups.

The ensemble’s repertoire contains an incredible amount of music. Just look at some of the programs so dearly loved by our viewers: these are tribute concerts of such great composers as Ludovico Einaudi, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Ólafur Arnalds, Joe Hisaishi, or the minimalists’ John Cage and David Lang, along with At the same time, the ensemble performs popular soundtracks from sensational TV shows and movies: Wednesday, The Young Pope, Harry Potter, a variety of Disney and Pixar films, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit saga, Spencer, Star Wars and others. There is also the unique music of Enigma, Enya, combined with neoclassical music, or world rock hits, and tributes to the legendary Michael Jackson, Queen and the Beatles. For lovers of the classics, the ensemble collection contains music by W.A. Mozart, J.S. Bach, L.V. Beethoven, R. Wagner, I. Strauss, P.I. Tchaikovsky, S.V. Rachmaninov, and all key composers — classics. And much more. Every month the studio releases new programs and updates the existing repertoire.

For some projects, the team gathers as part of a chamber or small symphony orchestra.

Programme

Ask Me Why

White Wall

A Feather in the Dusk

The Curse of the Gray Heron

A Trap

Sanctuary

The Master of the Tomb

A Girl of Fire

Mahito and Himi

The Great Collapse

The Last Smile

Theme Song (Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe)

Memories

Adolescence 

Gray Heron III 

Feather Fletching

Ark

Warawara

Reincarnation

Rain of Fire

Cursed Sea

Reminiscence

Close Encounter

Diversion

The Corridor Door

A Burrow

A Song of Prayer (The Delivery Room)

In Secret 

The King's Parade

Granduncle’s Desire

The Boy and Heron Medley

*The programme may be subject to changes