Ghibli Symphony part 1

by Joe Hisaishi (arr. Nathalee Jacques)

Umi No Okaasan from Ponyo

Noriko Hashimoto, soprano

by Joe Hisaishi (arr. Kent Swenson)

Symphonic Suite from Kiki’s Delivery Service

by Joe Hisaishi (2019)

INTERMISSION

Ghibli Symphony part 2

by Joe Hisaishi (arr. Nathalee Jacques)

Mononoke Hime from Princess Mononoke

Melody of Japan Singers

by Joe Hisaishi

My Neighbour Totoro: Orchestral Stories

by Joe Hisaishi (2022)

PROGRAMME

Kiki’s Delivery Service is a coming-of-age story about finding confidence in oneself. As Kiki sets out on her own, she faces challenges that test her abilities, her self-worth, and her belief in the magic that makes her special. Her journey is one of resilience—of losing and rediscovering her spark, of learning that kindness, connection, and perseverance can be just as powerful as magic. This Orchestral Suite follows her through these moments, from the soaring freedom to quiet doubt, capturing the wonder and uncertainty of growing up. 

Then, My Neighbor Totoro unfolds in a narrated orchestral story, where music and spoken words bring Satsuki and Mei’s world to life. Through their wonder, grief, and moments of pure joy, the orchestra gives voice to a story about childhood, loss, and the quiet presence of something bigger than ourselves. 

More than a concert, this is an evening about the beauty of everyday moments, the lessons we learn when we least expect them, and the music that stays with us long after the story ends. 

PROGRAMME NOTES

Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro

Translation Credits

English Translation provided by Tomoko Swenson
Poetic English Adaptation by Kent Swenson
French Translation by Véronique Dupuis

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

MUSICIANS

CONDUCTOR

Lucas Waldin

MANAGER OF ARTISTIC PLANNING

Mathieu Roy

Violin I

Justin Azerrad-Kendall*

Jerry Wang

Helen Hopfauf

Kent Swenson

Farid Mullally

Naomi Brown

Mattea Sayyman

Violin II

Gabi Nowicki*

Ghislain Granger

Amy McCarthy

Paniz Akbari

Gabriel Karam

Natalie Lacoste

Seemah Mullally

Christine Yu

Chloe Stewart

Viola

Rachel Ostic

Katherine Muldoon

Vanessa Kraus

Arianna Diab

Cello

Jean-Francois Marquis*

Charlotte Tyhurst

Niah Vardy

Olena Gapey

Sheva Schwartz

Double Bass

Iris Leck*

Ricardo De Rozario-Navas

Emily Hsueh

Ceecee Holz

Marc Candeliere

Flute

Mandy Wilk*

Emily Calongcagong

Kyle Myrfield

Oboe

Celina Hawkins*

Ahmad Al-Jumail

Mélanie Thériault

Clarinet

Eric Gauthier*

Lizeth Gabriela Zambrano Ibagué

Felicia Persaud

Bassoon

Max Ostic

Tomoko Swenson

Michele di Franco

Horn

Sophie Shah

Magdalen Forshaw

Sue Kim

Eamonn Kennedy

Trumpet

Veronique Dupuis

James Lamarche, Asst/1st

Louis-Claude Campeau

Aaron Patterson

Mylène Mercure, Asst/2nd

Trombone

Denis Rousseau*

Annick Deguire

Murray Cuthbert

Justin McLean

Tuba

Zachary Lavigne

Alexandre Seaman

Timpani

Konrad Zetzsche*

Percussion

Austin Laprade

Martin Hubert

Matthew Bouziotas

Piano

Elli Kozak

Synth/Celesta

Chloe Stewart

Accordion

Laurie Rosewarne

Mandolin

Barry Cooper

CHOIRISTERS

OPO CHORUS°

Deirdre Kellerman, director

MELODY OF JAPAN CHOIR

Noriko Hashimoto, director

Soprano

Erika Arocena⁺

Donna Fok°

Jaime Gooch°

Keiko Okura⁺

Lauren MacDonald°

Manon McDonic°

Mikiko Watanabe⁺

Naoko Ikeda⁺

Rie Yamashita⁺

Sylvia White°

Takako Segawa⁺

Tsoa Raholison⁺

Yuukie Whittleton⁺

Gabrielle Wilson°

Loutchka Telemaque°

Chisa Vafaie⁺

Alto

Akiko Asa-Lalonde⁺

Alexis Mackenzie°

Allyson Tayler°

Aya Nakashima⁺

Barbara Kagedan°

Catherine Satoh⁺

Cathy Babyak⁺

Izumi Shigeyama⁺

Kyoko Kosaki⁺

Lasha Shaw-Korchynski°

Mariko Komae⁺

Morgan Lynch°

Patrizia Paulus⁺

Pirahashini Thayanithy°

Shinobu Egner⁺

Valerie Hum°

Veronica Verdicchio°

Yumiko Katsuya⁺

Tenor

Cameron Aitken°

Jérémie Séror⁺

Matthew Graham⁺

Rupert Cao⁺

Basse

Daniel Lee°

Erdem Yanikomeroglu⁺

Francis Maher⁺

Jean Boussuet Lazarre°

Nikhil Gopal°

Owen Taylor°

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

The magic unfolding before you is the result of countless hours of dedication from our talented musicians, staff, volunteers, and the unwavering support of our donors, sponsors, and audience members like you. Every note played, every moment shared, exists because of this community's passion for live orchestral music.

If you're moved by what you experience today and want to be part of our mission to redefine the orchestral experience, we invite you to get involved! Whether you can offer your time, talents, or resources, every contribution matters and helps us continue bringing these extraordinary experiences to Ottawa. As always, you can email us at info@ottawapopsorchestra.ca. We'd love to hear from you!

Thank you for being here. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to share what's next.

Now, settle in and let the music carry you away.

With gratitude,

Jessica Rollins, Chair of the Board of Directors

Pierre Foret, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors

Sebastian Lacey, Member of the Board of Directors

INTERMISSION BAR

Join us in Woodside Hall before the concert, during intermission, and after the performance.

Drink tickets may be purchased in advance through Eventbrite (add-ons) or onsite at the front table, the back of the hall, and in Woodside Hall across from the Sanctuary.

All drinks and snacks are to be enjoyed in Woodside Hall.
No food or beverages are permitted in the Sanctuary.

Menu

Prices plus HST

Wine | $10
EastDell Black Cab VQA
Rosehall Run Unoaked Chardonnay
Pelee Island LOLA Blush Sparkling Rosé

Beer | $10
Songbird Pale Ale 5.3% ABV
Mr. Templeton’s Wee Heavy 7.5% ABV
Jane German Pils 5.2% ABV
Helga Light Lager 3.5% ABV

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails | $7
Atypique Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Fresh Non-Alcoholic — Bicycle Craft Brewery

Water or Carbonated Beverage | $2

Snacks | $2–$4

PARTNERS

Bicycle Craft Brewery, an Ottawa-based brewing operation since 2014. Visit them, in their tap room and stay for a beer or take home some cans and merch from their retail shop. Their lineup is always changing, with a few consistent mainstays, and our brewers are always dreaming up something new.

A wild apple tree was discovered on the border of what would become the Farmgate orchard. Over the next few years, more land was cleared, and trees were planted by the dozens. A little cider turned into a lot of cider, and the Davies Family wanted to share! So Farmgate was born: out of hard work, out of family, and out of a love of trees.

A special thanks to Sarah and Tom. They recently opened their 6th location in Ottawa, early 2024. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff brings a magical world filled with a variety of anime merchandise, Korean pop music, Asian giftware and stationery goods.

A Refined Hotel Experience

Step into a world of luxury accommodation and pristine hospitality. Embassy Suites Ottawa offers beautifully appointed rooms with popular attractions nearby, ensuring our visiting artists and staff enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay.

Stay Tuned

Stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming concerts, fundraising events, and special announcements.

@ottawapops #ottawapops

Thank you to our Donors

Below is the annual giving list, which includes private donors and corporate sponsors. List is complete as of February 1, 2026.


Champion $1,000-$2,999

Pierre Foret

Sebastian Lacey

Jessica Rollins

Mathieu Roy

Larry Sargent

Sustainer $250-$999

Ahmad Al Jumaili

Mark Constantine

Véronique Dupuis

Emily Hsueh

Alexandra McAllister

Felicia Persaud

Anne Marie Robinson

Evan Simcoe

Konrad Zetzsche

Associate $100-$249

Ogba O

Friend $1-$99

Kaven Baker-Voakes

Alana Nugent

Administrative Team

Many members of our administrative team volunteer their time throughout the season, working behind the scenes to prepare each concert and ensure the best possible audience experience.

We are deeply grateful for their dedication and care.

Interested in joining the team?
Please contact us at info@ottawapopsorchestra.ca — we would be delighted to hear from you.