This week, the Nuits Musicales d’Uzès welcome the Quatuor Yako. A concert featuring music from Miyazaki’s films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Arrietty, and more. With two violins, a viola, and a cello, this quartet explores the breadth of the classical repertoire.
Before summer, the Nuits Musicales d’Uzès present the Quatuor Yako with a program centered around Hayao Miyazaki’s film music. Starting with a Philip Glass quartet from the film “Mishima,” connecting to the Japanese universe.
The festival offers concerts and recitals in Uzès’ heritage sites. On March 28, four musicians will take the stage in Uzès. With two violins, a viola, and a cello, the quartet covers a wide range of styles, supporting melodies and accompaniments. Each instrument corresponds to a vocal range, from Ludovic Thilly’s first violin close to a coloratura soprano, to Pierre Maestra’s second violin in a soprano range, Ivan Lebrun’s viola as a tenor, and Alban Lebrun’s cello providing the bass. The quartet encompasses the full spectrum of classical repertoire.
Music and Images
The concert features compositions by Joe Hisaishi associated with Hayao Miyazaki’s films, known for simple, recognizable melodies that transcend generations.
The program includes music from popular films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and more. Images from the films will be projected on stage during the performance. The concert begins with a Philip Glass quartet composed for the film “Mishima” based on the Japanese writer of the same name, complementing the overall theme of Japan and film music.
Open Quartet
Originally written for a large orchestra, these pieces have been adapted for a string quartet, maintaining the core elements and distributing musical lines among the instruments. The Quatuor Yako, based in Lyon, has been touring for about ten years, starting with classical repertoire before expanding to other styles, such as world music and modern arrangements.
Practical Information
L’Ombrière d’Uzès, information here
Saturday, March 28
Nuits Musicales d’Uzès
Quatuor Yako
Musicians:
Ludovic Thilly (first violin),
Pierre Maestra (second violin),
Ivan Lebrun (viola),
Alban Lebrun (cello)
Program:
Philip Glass and Joe Hisaishi
[Context: Hayao Miyazaki is a renowned Japanese animator and filmmaker, and Joe Hisaishi is a prolific composer known for his work on Miyazaki’s films.]
[Fact Check: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke are all popular Studio Ghibli films directed by Hayao Miyazaki.]
