Internationally acclaimed Japanese composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with celebrated harpist Emmanuel Ceysson, in a major world premiere recording that pairs his Symphony No. 3 ‘Metaphysica’ with his new harp concerto—a virtuosic, genre-defying work written for Ceysson.

Drawing on his decades of experience in film music, Hisaishi crafts a concerto that challenges traditional perceptions of the harp. Far from the instrument’s conventional delicacy, this three-movement work reveals a bold, dynamic voice—one that aligns closely with Ceysson’s distinctive, powerful playing style. Shifting between urgent rhythmic drive, haunting introspection, and electrifying, dance-like momentum, the concerto culminates in a striking and energetic finale.

Symphony No. 3 ‘Metaphysica’ was commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of the New Japan Philharmonic and premiered in 2021 under Hisaishi’s baton. Conceived as an exploration of “sonic movement,” the symphony unfolds in three parts: existence, where are we going?, and substance—each built on tightly controlled rhythmic and tonal frameworks that evolve into vividly expressive musical landscapes.