Encounter Anime 2.0 is back after 3 years— back with brand-new songs and visuals, after their inaugural sold-out concert back in 2023. Paying homage to the many soundtracks that colour the landscapes of our favourite anime series and films, this orchestral soundtrack series uses a wide variety of musical instruments to render emotional scenes for a captivated audience.
Held in PJPAC One Utama, we were allowed in at 6:30pm, with the concert proper starting at 7pm. Our lovely emcee Pudds (@deadpudds) was cosplaying as Frieren, and entertained the crowd with witty jokes and one liners. She introduced all the featured conductors and musicians, alongside various musical ensembles.
The very first song we were treated to was Sanpo (Stroll) from the animated Ghibli film My Neighbour Totoro. In this, conductor Ean led the orchestra as an adorable Totoro, while introducing various instruments to the audience. Conductor Justin was up next, and I got literal chills during the percussion bits as he heightened the intense aura of the Demon Slayer Suite into a roaring crescendo.
After that, we were treated to a Sword Art Online medley, followed by Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle’s A Song of Storm and Fire, and Frieren Medley. I almost broke down hearing their rendition of “Merry-Go-Round” from Howl’s Moving Castle, as it was one of the first anime films I watched as a child and helped me grow my love for all things anime.
We then had a 15 minute intermission, where concertgoers could purchase anime-themed drinks from the PJPAC bar counter outside. There were four options: Sakura Moon Tea, Blue Exorcist Soda, Fire Core Orchard Splash, and Thunder Breaking Fizz.
Upon returning, the orchestra’s arrangement was changed up slightly, with the front string instruments completely gone. We enjoyed a jazz solo by saxophone soloist Zainul during a Detective Conan piece, with the cutest little Anya playing a little ditty to usher in the Spy x Family Medley.
Both Chien Ng and Harmonia ACG serenaded us during a performance of WMID – Attack on Titan. They belted out powerful notes as the screen behind them saw the Survey Corps springing into action. Kazuki then performed Gundam’s Freedom, his powerful vocals echoing throughout the stage, and Japanese singer-songwriter Masahiro’s pitch perfect Ao no Sumika was breathtaking.
But it was Blue Bird from Naruto that truly set my heart afire, with catchy vocals and a stunning display of various scenes of the anime edited together with care. Finally, the encore came, and after some playful deliberation with the audience holding its breath, Pudds introduced the encore piece to be none other than Butter-Fly from the original Digimon anime. The crowd went wild, and thunderous applause roared as we then bowed to one another.
We left the event with smiles ear to ear from all the amazing songs. I hope to be a part of Encounter Anime 3.0, and I hope to see it grow even bigger and better!
