Hatsune Miku Symphony, where you can enjoy the music of virtual singers including Hatsune Miku performed by a full orchestra, will hold its first Sapporo performance on the 10th anniversary of its launch (Tuesday, February 11th, national holiday). The concert began in 2016 and has captured the hearts of not only fans of the character but also classical music fans. What kind of performance will be held in Sapporo, which has a deep connection with Hatsune Miku? We asked Ikeda Toshitaka, one of the key people behind the performance, about his thoughts!

Virtual singer songs in a classical music hall

"Hatsune Miku Symphony 2024" performance at Suntory Hall (Photo: Toshimitsu Koda)

First of all, please tell us how "Hatsune Miku Symphony" started.

Toshiki Ikeda (hereinafter referred to as "Ikeda"): At the Pony Canyon label "EXIT TUNES" where I used to work, I was in charge of VOCALOID compilation albums and artist albums, and then in 2013 I moved to another record company, "Warner Music Japan". There, I was in charge of artists unrelated to VOCALOID, but one of my colleagues on the same team was involved in an orchestra concert for the "Tales of" game series, and that's where I got the idea for this project. I also went to see concerts such as "Disney on Classic" in my private time, so I thought, "Maybe I could do it with Hatsune Miku's music," and that's how the project started.

--It seems difficult to adapt a completely different genre of music, Vocaloid, into a classical piece. Were you not nervous about taking on the challenge?

Ikeda: Indeed, at first I had no idea what kind of concert it would be or how it would be arranged, but there are many classical concerts held for so-called game music. At the time, Vocaloid songs were often lumped together with anime and internet music, so I thought it might be possible to broaden the possibilities of Vocaloid songs. Also, I simply wanted to hear Vocaloid in an orchestra, and I thought that the Hatsune Miku Symphony would allow me to rediscover the greatness of Vocaloid songs, which I have been involved with for a long time. However, I was both anxious and excited until the event (laughs).

"Hatsune Miku Symphony 2024" Yokohama performance

--You didn't know what would happen until you opened the lid.

Ikeda: Yes. However, I thought it would be a fresh experience for the people who came. I myself go to concerts, and the emotional impact of listening to a live orchestra is overwhelmingly higher than listening to a recording. I never thought that this event would continue for 10 years when it first started, so I'm happy about it.

--How was the arrangement done?

Ikeda: We have a team of arrangers consisting of 4 or 5 people. We assign each arranger to arrange about 15 to 20 songs. When the concert first started, there were many arrangements that interpreted Vocaloid songs as classical music. The tempo of the songs was also classical, and the image was quite different from the original songs, but recently some songs have been arranged to be closer to the original songs. Miku's voice is also expressed with instruments, and each sound can be expressed with an orchestral interpretation regardless of the genre, so now we can select various songs. We try to arrange in a way that will satisfy all Hatsune Miku Symphony fans.

(Photo: Toshimitsu Koda)

(Photo: Toshimitsu Koda)

--Not only the music, but the performances have also evolved, haven't they?

Ikeda: Our basic style was to project music videos and videos of hosts such as Hatsune Miku, and enjoy the orchestral performance while watching them, but when we performed at Japan's leading classical music hall, Suntory Hall, in 2020, we held the concert in a completely classical music concert style without any video projections for the first time. At first, some people involved were worried about whether fans would be satisfied with a concert without Hatsune Miku, but we all had always dreamed of performing at Suntory Hall someday. A concert in a hall dedicated to classical music was a challenge, but we were confident that the experience of listening in the best acoustic space would definitely be satisfying.

I think the fans' satisfaction has increased because we have two types of concerts to choose from: one with virtual singers and video effects, and the other with live instrumental performances in a classical music hall without video effects. Many people come to both.

(Photo: Toshimitsu Koda)

--What is the biggest difference from a traditional classical concert?

Ikeda: Classical concerts have been held for game music and anime songs, so in that sense I don't think there's any difference. However, I think the wide range of music, such as more complex programmed music and songs with extremely fast tempos, is a unique feature of Vocaloid songs. I think the big difference is that by listening to the classical arrangements, you can discover new charms to the songs. Every time we hold a concert, we hear people say, "I can't believe they're playing this song!", so I want to do something that will surprise everyone.