Celebrated Japanese composer Takatsugu Muramatsu, known for his award-winning scores in animated films such as When Marnie Was There and Mary and the Witch’s Flower, is set to perform in Seoul for the first time in eight years. Muramatsu, twice awarded the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music, will take the stage at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on November 15 at 7:30 PM.

Takatsugu Muramatsu, 46, first entered the music scene as a high school student with his piano solo album Window. His career since then has flourished, with compositions in both film and animation, including the critically acclaimed score for Marnie (2015), a Studio Ghibli production that enchanted audiences with its gentle, lyrical melodies. Muramatsu's music has also reached international audiences through collaborations with American pop-opera singer Josh Groban, Japanese singer Mariya Takeuchi, and the British boys' choir Libera.

Muramatsu’s compositions have earned prestigious accolades; Lu Over the Wall, an animated feature he scored, won the top prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France in 2017. His ability to blend emotion with delicate orchestration has led to a unique place in the world of animated film music, endearing him to audiences around the globe.

During his upcoming Seoul performance, Muramatsu will conduct and perform piano solos alongside the Odyssey Symphony Orchestra, a group founded in 2020. The concert program includes some of his most beloved works, such as Marnie’s “Oiwa’s House,” “Ayaka’s Dream,” “Marnie,” and “Anna,” as well as themes from Mary and the Witch’s Flower, including “Mary’s Theme.” The evening will also feature Libera’s “Far Away,” a piece he co-produced, and Forestella’s “Save Our Lives,” showcasing his musical versatility.

In addition to Muramatsu's musical direction and piano performance, soprano Song Eun-hye and Japanese percussionist Satoshi Seki will bring further depth to the concert experience. This collaboration highlights Muramatsu’s long-standing connection with South Korea, dating back to his composition of parade music for Lotte World. His last visit to Seoul was in 2016, and fans have eagerly awaited his return to the Korean stage.

Muramatsu’s soundscapes are defined by their melodic richness and introspective quality, resonating deeply with listeners of all ages. His work on When Marnie Was There was particularly impactful, drawing listeners into its narrative of mystery and friendship through music that is at once nostalgic and heartwarming. The upcoming Seoul concert will offer a rare opportunity to experience these compositions live, beautifully arranged for orchestral performance.

Tickets for the concert are in high demand, as Muramatsu’s influence continues to grow not only in Japan but internationally. His upcoming performance in Seoul promises an evening of soul-stirring music that will allow fans to rediscover the emotional depth of his compositions.

Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com