The music plays a huge role in setting the mood of some of anime’s most memorable hits, but it can be kind of hard to notice behind all of the dialogue and sound effects. Grabbing the series’ soundtrack and popping in your earphones is a good way to appreciate the compositions, but an even better way is to hear them performed live by a full orchestra, which is just what fans of Evangelion, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Attack on Titan, Berserk, and more will be able to do at a special concert taking place in Tokyo this month.
The Japan Screen Music Symphony Orchestra will be holding two Anime Symphonia performances on July 20. Having dozens of musicians involved obviously calls for a larger venue than the lobby of an Akihabara anime shop, which is why the event is instead happening at the Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya.
The first performance starts at 2:30 p.m., and the second at 6:30 in the evening. While there is some overlap in the programs, the first half of the afternoon program will feature music from Puella Magi Madoka Magica, while the beginning of the nighttime show is made up of selections from Evangelion.
▼ The list of pieces to be played from Madoka Magica (left) and Evangelion (right)
The latter half of both shows will be am identical medley of music from Attack on Titan. In addition, noted anime songstress Kanako Ito will be on stage singing “Hacking to the Gate” and “Gate of Steiner” from Steins; Gate at both shows, plus Higurashi When They Cry’s “you” in the afternoon and Berserk’s “Guts” in the evening.
Attendees will each receive a postcard of the Anime Symphonia promotional artwork, drawn by illustrator Yu.
Tickets start at 6,900 yen (US$55) and can be reserved here.
Related: Anime Symphonia official website
Source: Culture Lab
Top image: Japan Screen Music Symphony Orchestra
Insert images: Japan Screen Music Symphony Orchestra