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

  • Now, let us proceed with Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro. We hope you enjoy.

    Before we begin our story, let us introduce the instruments of the orchestra. First, the woodwinds: flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons.

    Next come the brass instruments: horns, trumpets, trombones, and tubas, in that order.

    The strings are the largest and most central section of the orchestra. Now you will hear the violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.

    Many instruments bring color to the orchestra. Here, the percussion takes center stage, driving us toward the climax. The elegant sounds of the piano and celesta add even more brilliance to the music.

    I almost forgot! Hear the pizzicato in the strings — what a delight! And with that, you’ve heard every instrument in the orchestra.

    Now, all together, everyone!

    Let’s begin the story. Mei, Satsuki, and their father moved to the peaceful countryside.

    Their new home stood alone in a wide open field. The two children began exploring at once.

    It seemed the house might be haunted.

    There was definitely something hiding in the dark — tiny, spiky, black beings called Soot Sprites.

    Satsuki and Mei fell in love with the strange old house. Even though they enjoyed playing together, they felt lonely at times. Their mother was in the hospital, and they missed her very much.

    One day, Mei was playing in the garden when she found a small spirit.

    With a laugh, Mei darted after the tiny creature. In following it, she tumbled into a hollow at the base of a great camphor tree.

    It was a mysterious world — and there she found a great spirit named Totoro.

    Mei fell asleep on Totoro’s stomach.

    The large camphor tree where Totoro lives has been in this village for a long time.

    The wind drifts by, rustling the treetops.

    Their mother still had not come home. Mei and Satsuki had been waiting for so very long.

    Mei stood there, holding an ear of corn she wanted to share with her mother.

    Unable to bear it any longer, Mei ran toward the hospital. But the journey would take three hours — even for an adult. Mei… lost her way.

    Satsuki went to Totoro and pleaded, “Please find Mei!”

    Totoro shouted.

    And then…

    Catbus arrived. Satsuki climbed aboard, and they soared into the sky.

    They found Mei crouched by the side of the road. The sisters held each other tightly, and Catbus carried them toward the hospital.

    In the hospital room, their mother and father were laughing together. Mei and Satsuki smiled as they watched.

    They placed an ear of corn on the windowsill… and quietly went home.

  • Nous interpréterons maintenant Histoires orchestrales : Mon Voisin Totoro. Nous espérons que vous apprécierez.

    Avant de commencer notre histoire, présentons les instruments de l’orchestre.
    Commençons par les bois : les flûtes, les hautbois, les clarinettes et les bassons.

    Viennent ensuite les cuivres : les cors, les trompettes, les trombones et les tubas.

    Les cordes constituent la section la plus grande et la plus centrale de l’orchestre. Vous entendrez les violons, les altos, les violoncelles et les contrebasses.

    De nombreux instruments apportent différentes couleurs à l’orchestre. À ce moment de la pièce, les percussions prennent le devant de la scène et nous conduisent vers le point culminant. Les sons élégants du piano et du célesta ajoutent encore plus d’éclat à la musique.

    J’ai presque oublié ! Le pizzicato des cordes est aussi un véritable délice. Avec cela, vous avez entendu tous les instruments de l’orchestre.

    Et maintenant, tous ensemble !

    Commençons l’histoire. Mei, Satsuki et leur père ont déménagé dans la paisible campagne.

    Leur nouvelle maison se dressait seule au milieu d’un vaste champ. Les deux enfants commencèrent aussitôt à explorer.

    On aurait dit que la maison était hantée.

    Il y avait certainement quelque chose dans l’ombre — de toutes petites créatures noires et hérissées appelées Esprits de Suie.

    Satsuki et Mei s’attachèrent à cette étrange vieille maison. Leur mère était à l’hôpital. Même si elles jouaient ensemble et tentaient de rester courageuses, elles se sentaient parfois seules… leur mère leur manquait beaucoup.

    Un jour, Mei jouait dans le jardin lorsqu’elle découvrit un petit esprit.

    En riant, elle se mit à courir après la petite créature. En la poursuivant, elle tomba dans un creux au pied d’un grand camphrier.

    C’était un monde mystérieux — et là se tenait un grand esprit nommé Totoro.

    Mei s’endormit sur le ventre de Totoro.

    Le grand camphrier où vit Totoro se trouve dans ce village depuis très longtemps.

    Le vent passe en faisant frémir la cime des arbres.

    Leur mère n’était toujours pas rentrée. Mei et Satsuki attendaient depuis si longtemps.

    Mei restait immobile, tenant un épi de maïs qu’elle voulait partager avec sa mère.

    Incapable d’en supporter davantage, Mei courut vers l’hôpital. Mais il faudrait au moins trois heures — même pour un adulte — pour y arriver. Mei… s’est perdue.

    Satsuki alla voir Totoro et le supplia de retrouver Mei.

    Totoro hurla !

    Et soudain…

    Le Chat-Bus arriva. Satsuki grimpa à bord, et ils s’élancèrent dans le ciel.

    Ils trouvèrent Mei accroupie au bord de la route. Les deux sœurs se serrèrent fort l’une contre l’autre, puis le Chat-Bus les conduisit vers l’hôpital.

    Dans la chambre d’hôpital, leur père et leur mère riaient ensemble. Mei et Satsuki les regardaient en souriant.

    Elles déposèrent un épi de maïs sur le rebord de la fenêtre… puis rentrèrent tranquillement chez elles.

  • これから演奏するのは、オーケストラストーリーズ 「となりのトトロ」 です。 あの名作を音楽で楽しんで下さい。

    物語を始める前にオーケストラの楽器を紹介します。 まずは木管楽器。 フルート、オーボエ、クラリネット、ファゴットです。

    次は金管楽器を紹介します。ホルン、トランペット、トロンボーン、チューバの順です。
    オーケストラの中で最も人数が多く、中心的な存在は弦楽器です。 ヴァイオリン、ヴィオラ、チェロ、コントラバスをお聴き下さい。
    オーケストラを彩る様々な楽器たち。 その中心になるのは打楽器です。 壮大なクライマックスに向かうときは特に欠かせません。 そして華麗な音色のハープ、ピアノ、チェレスタは様々な色彩をオーケストラに与えます。

    言い忘れました! 弦楽器のピッツィカートも大きな魅力の一つです。 これですべての楽器が出揃いました。
    それでは全員で!

    それでは物語を始めましょう。 お父さんとメイとサツキは、のどかな田舎に引っ越してきました。

    新しい家は原っぱの中のオンボロー軒屋。早速2人の探検が始まりました

    ・・・どうやらこの家はオバケ屋敷のようです。

    確かに暗がりになにかあります。
    黒くて小さくてトゲトゲしたもの、マックロクロスケです
    サツキとメイはこの古い変な家が好きになりました。 2人のお母さんは病院にいます。 寂しい・・・けれども2人は元気です。 でも・・・やっぱり、お母さんといたい・・・

    ある日、庭で遊んでいたメイは小さなオバケを見つけました。

    メイは面白がってそのオバケを追いかけます。
    小さなオバケを追いかけていたメイは、大きなクスの木の根元にあるホラ穴に落ちてしまいました。

    不思議な世界、そこにいたのは大きなオバケ、トトロでした。

    メイはトトロのおなかの上で一緒に眠ってしまいました。

    トトロの住む大きなクスの木は、昔からこの村にありました。

    風がさわやかに梢を揺らしながら通り過ぎていきます。

    お母さんが帰ってこない! 長く待ち望んでいたサツキとメイ。

    お母さんに食べさせようと、トウモロコシを持って立ち尽くすメイ。
    たまらず病院に向かって走り出しました。 でも、病院までは大人の足でも3時間はかかります。 メイは・・・まいごになりました。

    サツキはトトロに会いに行き「メイを探して!」と必死に頼みます。

    トトロが一声!

    すると・・・

    ネコバスがやってきました。サツキを乗せたネコバスは、空に向かって走り出しました。
    メイは道端にうずくまっていました。 しっかり抱き合うサツキとメイ。 ネコバスは2人を乗せると今度は病院へ向かいました。

    病室ではお父さんとお母さんが笑いながら話しています。 その姿を見て微笑むサツキとメイ。
    2人は窓辺に1本のトウモロコシを置いて帰っていきました。

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

  • The Ottawa Pops Orchestra (OPO) is a community orchestra dedicated to programming orchestral pops repertoire in order to enrich and inspire the community through accessible, relevant, and passionate performances. Founded in the spring of 2017 by a collective of young musicians, OPO strives to bridge the gap between classical orchestral repertoire and popular music, curating innovative concerts that redefine the orchestral experience for today’s audience. Simply put, OPO inspires, engages, and educates the greater Ottawa/Gatineau area.

  • Lucas Waldin is a dynamic and versatile conductor whose performances have delighted audiences across North America. He has collaborated with some of today’s most exciting artists including Carly Rae Jepsen, Ben Folds and The Canadian Brass, in addition to conducting presentations such as Disney in Concert, Blue Planet Live, Cirque de la Symphony, and the groundbreaking symphonic debut of R&B duo Dvsn as part of the global Red Bull Music Festival.

    Waldin has been a guest conductor for numerous orchestras in the U.S. and Canada, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, the Dallas Symphony, the Grant Park Festival Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the Vancouver Symphony, the Calgary Philharmonic and the Toronto Symphony.

    Having joined the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra as Resident Conductor in 2009, Waldin was subsequently appointed Artist-in-Residence and Community Ambassador - the first position of its kind in North America. He appeared with the ESO over 150 times and conducted in Carnegie Hall during the orchestra's participation in the 2012 Spring for Music festival. In recognition of his accomplishments he was awarded the Jean-Marie Beaudet Award in Orchestral Conducting and received a Citation Award from the City of Edmonton for outstanding achievements in arts and culture.

    A native of Toronto, Canada, Waldin holds degrees in flute and conducting from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

    Website: https://www.lucaswaldin.ca/

  • Deirdre Kellerman (she/her) is a choral conductor and music educator based on unceded Algonquin territory (Ottawa, ON), where she conducts Tone Cluster – quite a queer choir. Previous conducting positions include Artistic Director of Hypatia’s Voice, conductor and pianist with the Ottawa Children’s Choir, Assistant Director of the Ottawa Choral Society and Director of Music at First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa.

    Since settling in Ottawa in 2015, Deirdre has become a regular fixture in the area’s choral community. As a workshop facilitator and guest conductor, she has worked with the Cantata Singers of Ottawa, Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus, Canadian Centennial Choir, and CAMMAC. Deirdre has studied across North America, including a residency at the Banff Centre’s Choral Art program. She was nominated for the Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting in 2018 and 2023. An avid chorister, Deirdre has sung with a wide variety of ensembles, including Xara Choral Theatre and the National Youth Choir of Canada, and she currently sings with Aella, an upper-voice ensemble. When not in choir rehearsal, Deirdre runs DKmusic, where she teaches voices, piano, and conducting.

    Deirdre holds a M.Mus in Conducting from the New England Conservatory and B.Mus in Vocal Performance from Acadia University.

    Website: https://www.deirdrekellerman.com/

  • Originally from Hyogo, Japan, she earned her bachelor’s degree from  the Osaka College of Music before obtaining a master’s degree in Voice from the Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. After moving to Canada in 2006, she launched her music career. Highlights include solo  performances with choirs in Vienna and Prague in 2021, solo recitals in  Ottawa in 2024 and 2025, and the premiere of 'Echoes: Vibrations  from Japan to Canada' at the Ottawa Dance Direct in 2024 as a performer and a vocal  composer. Noriko is the chorus master and conductor of Melody of Japan Singers, an ensemble she founded in 2012.

  • Melody of Japan Singers is the first Japanese choir in Ottawa, founded by Noriko Hashimoto in 2012. In its annual concerts and community appearances, the group features an eclectic mix of Japanese music, including choral works, folk traditions, J-pop hits, and celebrated soundtracks from anime and Ghibli films. Melody performed as a guest at Anime Ottawa last year and is excited to return to the stage there this April. For Ghibli Symphony: Part II, the members are grateful to perform with the OPO, and thrilled to present the beloved music of Studio Ghibli .

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.

  • Evan Simcoe

    Associate Communications Officer

    Konrad Zetzsche

    Associate Marketing Officer

    Emily Calongcagong

    Social Media Manager

    Veronique Dupuis

    Translator

    Emily Hsueh

    Graphic Designer

    Alexandra McAllister

    Merchandise Coordinator

    Sebastian Lacey

    Sponsorship Coordinator

    Celina Hawkins

    Development Officer

    Larry Sargent

    Controller

  • Courtney Shields

    Front of House Manager

    Liz Tam

    Associate Front of House Manager

    Jill Weber

    Box Office and Patron Relations Manager

    Jason Barnes

    Bar Manager

    Peter Zanette

    Production Assistant

    Julian Bertino

    Audio Technician

    Kat Wong

    Lighting Technician

    Samuel Vincent Coombes

    Videographer

    Volunteers

    Various Roles

  • Mathieu Roy

    Manager of Artistic Planning

    Justin McLean

    Personnel Manager

    Alyssa De’Ath

    Orchestra Librarian

    Kent Swenson

    Artistic Administrator