Gigi’s wish was to watch the Candlelight Orchestra: The Best of Joe Hisaishi Concert live-streamed from Brisbane City Hall

Many of Gianna’s (Gigi’s) memories are connected to her love of movies and at the top of her movie watchlist is My Neighbour Totoro, a Japanese animated fantasy film by acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. The movie tells the tale of sisters Satsuki and Mei and their relationship with friendly wood spirits in post-war Japan. However, it isn’t just the beautiful animation and powerful story that captures Gigi’s heart, the film’s music, scored by Joe Hisaishi, is very special to Gigi. So, when Gigi and her family realised that The Candlelight Orchestra were holding an orchestral performance of Joe’s work, she wished to be part of the event.

Unable to attend the concert at Brisbane City Hall, Ambulance Wish Queensland, Queensland Children’s Hospital and The Candlelight Orchestra were determined that Gigi wouldn’t miss out on hearing her favourite composer’s music from her favourite film being brought to life in a spectacular candlelit location by an orchestra of virtuosos. So, to fulfil Gigi’s wish, we arranged for the event to be lived streamed to Gigi at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Joined by parents Shion and Jo, brothers Julian and Adrian, cousins, grandparents, aunt and uncle, and Pepper the dog, Gigi settled in front of her TV for an evening of musical magic as the family made memories forever together. As the concert’s set list progressed, there was one favourite that Gigi was desperate to hear, a song from My Neighbour Totoro. As the orchestra paused between songs, Conductor Graeme Press, paused to address the audience with a special message for Gigi as he and the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra dedicated the performance to her. Gigi was so happy to be able to experience the event enveloped by close family at home.

Thank you to Queensland Children’s Hospital for partnering with us on this special occasion to fulfil GigI’s wish and a big thank you to the efforts of Fever events for their support in making this wish happen along with Brisbane City Hall and Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.

Thank you to our wonderful wish team Dale and Sharon for fulling this wish and Ange Costes Photography for creating memories forever.

Ambulance Wish Queensland is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, and we thank the staff and volunteers at both Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service who help our Palliative Care Queensland team to fulfil wishes and create memories.

We would also like to thank our SEQ Hub Local Supporting partner Mingary Care (http://mingarycare.com.au) and  GQS (https://gqs.com.au/) for their support of Ambulance Wish Queensland’s South-East Queensland hub.