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Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert

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Key art for the Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert.

The Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert was a series of concerts performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Osaka Symphony Orchestra, held across Japan in the year 2017 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Kirby series. A live recording of the July 21st performance[1]—along with a second set of bonus tracks—was then released in Japan on December 20th, 2017 on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. These two albums were released on streaming services internationally on June 26th, 2018.

The concert arrangements were written by Shogo Sakai and Megumi Ohara, and were conducted by Taizo Takemoto, except for the "Kirby Air Ride Medley", which was conducted by Sakai.

Concerts[edit]

Initially, three separate concerts were to be performed; two in Tokyo and one in Osaka, all featuring the same suite. The Tokyo concert, performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra at the Orchard Hall, featured an afternoon and evening show on April 16th, 2017; the Osaka concert, performed by the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra at the Orix Theater, featured only an evening show on June 18th, 2017. Due to high demand, three more performances were added; the Osaka concert gained an afternoon show, and two more Tokyo evening shows were added for July 20th and July 21st, 2017.

All concerts featured—in addition to the orchestra—a video display which showed gameplay footage in sync with the music, and commentary in-between performances by the staff. Makiko Ohmoto appeared as a special guest at all six concerts; in addition to participating in the commentary and demonstrating Kirby's voice, she also performed a brief dialogue between Queen Sectonia and Susie, and sang a short rendition of "The Noble Haltmann" (present on the DVD and Blu-ray but not the CD).

Masahiro Sakurai also appeared as a special guest solely at the April 16th and June 18th performances. He gave a presentation featuring development secrets of the original Kirby's Dream Land, as well as an extra section about Meta Knight's design at the June 18th performance only. He would later share this presentation on his YouTube channel six years later.[2]

Ticket prices were ¥7500 ($48.69) for A seats, ¥8500 ($55.18) for S seats, and ¥12000 ($77.91) for "Dream Seats" (which included special merchandise and a unique ticket). With the additional demand, obstructed viewing seats were added for the Tokyo performances; these seats were only ¥5000 ($32.46) but did not include a clear view of the video screen. All prices included tax.

All tickets were sold on a reservation system; the initial three concerts used a lottery to determine who could purchase tickets. First-run copies of the Kirby: Planet Robobot Original Soundtrack included a "priority reservation" for the lottery. The additional concerts were sold through general sale (i.e. first-come, first-served), so the priority reservations were not valid for them.

The July 21st concert had a paid livestream, hosted on Niconico, that could be purchased for 2,500 Niconico points, equivalent to ¥2500 ($16.23). Once purchased, the stream could be rewatched at the viewer's leisure until August 20th, 2017. This performance is also the one from which the CD, DVD and Blu-ray versions were derived.

CD release[edit]

A collage of every item available as part of the Kirby 25th Orchestra Concert CD and video set. Includes jewel case and the two CDs, and either a DVD or Blu-Ray disc containing video of the concerts.

On December 20th, 2017, the Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert was released for sale in Japan only. It could be purchased either as a two-CD set or as a three-disc bundle with the CDs and a Blu-ray or DVD recording of the concert.

The first disc, Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert, consists of the full suite as performed in the concert. The second disc, Kirby Memorial Arrangements, consists of bonus music and orchestrations which were not part of the concert proper. The two-CD set by itself cost ¥3200 ($20.78), minus tax.

Digital versions of the CDs were released internationally on June 26th, 2018, available on several music streaming services.

All tracks were arranged by Shogo Sakai except for the "King Dedede & Meta Knight Medley" and the "Kirby Ball Medley", which were arranged by Megumi Ohara.

Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert CD track list
Track # English title[3] Japanese title[4] Length Game(s) Notes
01 Kirby's 25th Anniversary: Grand Opening 星のカービィ25周年 グランドオープニング
Kirby of the Stars 25th Anniversary Grand Opening
2:11 Kirby's Dream Land A medley consisting of "Welcome to Dream Land" and "Green Greens".
02 Kirby's Adventure Medley 星のカービィ 夢の泉の物語メドレー
Kirby of the Stars: The Story of the Fountain of Dreams Medley
3:40 Kirby's Adventure / Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land Consists of "Level 8 Demo", "Grape Garden", "Orange Ocean", and "Ending Demo".
03 King Dedede & Meta Knight Medley デデデ大王&メタナイト・タッグメドレー
Great King Dedede & Meta Knight Tag Medley
3:51 Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby Super Star, Kirby Super Star Ultra Consists of "Mt. Dedede", "Masked Dedede's Theme", "Boarding the Halberd", "Havoc aboard the Halberd", and "My Friend and the Sunset".
04 Kirby's Dream Land 2 Animal Friends Medley 星のカービィ2なかまメドレー
Kirby of the Stars 2 Allies Medley
3:36 Kirby's Dream Land 2 Consists of "Rick's Theme", "Kine's Theme", and "Coo's Theme".
05 Kirby's Dream Land 3 / Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Medley 星のカービィ3&64メドレー
Kirby of the Stars 3 & 64 Medley
6:22 Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Consists of "Ripple Field: Ocean Waves", "Desert Stage", "Planet Popstar", "Ripple Star: Stage Select", and "0² Battle".
06 Kirby Super Star Medley 星のカービィ スーパーデラックスメドレー
Kirby of the Stars Super Deluxe Medley
6:14 Kirby Super Star / Kirby Super Star Ultra Consists of "Grand Opening", "Gourmet Race", "Crystal Area", "Revenge of Meta Knight (Map)", "Vs. Marx", and "Kirby's Triumphant Return".
07 Kirby Air Ride Medley カービィのエアライドメドレー
Kirby's Airride Medley
4:49 Kirby Air Ride Consists of "Air Ride: Fantasy Meadows", "Air Ride: Magma Flows", and "The Legendary Air Ride Machine".
08 Kirby & The Amazing Mirror / Kirby: Squeak Squad Medley 星のカービィ 鏡の大迷宮&参上! ドロッチェ団メドレー
Kirby of the Stars: The Great Labyrinth of Mirrors & They've Arrived! The Daroach Gang Medley
3:19 Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad Consists of "Forest/Nature Area", "Space Area", "Prism Plains", and "Squeak Squad Theme".
09 Kirby Ball Medley ボールになったカービィメドレー
Kirby Becomes a Ball Medley
5:21 Kirby's Pinball Land, Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Consists of "Whispy Woods Land" from Kirby's Pinball Land, "Iceberg Ocean" from Kirby's Dream Course, "Drawcia Sorceress" from Kirby: Canvas Curse, and "Rainbow Across the Skies" from Kirby and the Rainbow Curse.
10 Kirby Triple Deluxe Medley 星のカービィ トリプルデラックスメドレー
Kirby of the Stars Triple Deluxe Medley
5:49 Kirby: Triple Deluxe Consists of "Floral Fields", "Moonlight Capital", "Taranza, the Master of Puppetry", and "Fatal Blooms in Moonlight".
11 Kirby: Planet Robobot Medley 星のカービィ ロボボプラネットメドレー
Kirby of the Stars Robobo Planet Medley
4:15 Kirby: Planet Robobot Consists of "Pink Ball Activate!", "VS. Star Dream", and "Planet Heart".
12 Kirby's Return to Dream Land Medley 星のカービィ Wiiメドレー
Kirby of the Stars Wii Medley
5:43 Kirby's Return to Dream Land Consists of "The Adventure Begins", "Sky Tower", "Dangerous Dinner", "C-R-O-W-N-E-D", and "Return to Dream Land".
13 Kirby's Dream Land / A New Wind for Tomorrow あしたはあしたのかぜがふく
Tomorrow's Wind Will Blow Tomorrow
2:08 Kirby's Dream Land Extended version of "A New Wind for Tomorrow", the credits theme for Kirby's Dream Land.
14 Kirby Super Star / Milky Way Wishes: Staff Credits 銀河にねがいを スタッフロール
Wish Upon the Galaxy: Staff Roll
2:47 Kirby Super Star / Kirby Super Star Ultra The credits theme for Kirby Super Star, as played at the end of Milky Way Wishes.
TOTAL LENGTH 60:05

Liner notes[edit]

The following are the liner notes for the Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert.

Kirby's 25th Anniversary: Grand Opening[edit]

1. 星のカービィ 25周年 グランドオープニング
1. Kirby's 25th Anniversary: Grand Opening
(『星のカービィ』より)
(From "Kirby's Dream Land")
第1作のタイトルBGMとともに幕開けとなります。オーケストラによって雄大なファンファーレを鳴り響かせ、雄大で荘厳な雰囲気に。それに続くのは、シリーズでもっともなじみ深いフィールド楽曲「グリーングリーンズ」。始まりの曲としてふさわしく、25年の時を振り返りながらのオープニングとなっています。
It opens with the title BGM from the very first game. A majestic orchestral fanfare resounds, creating a grand and solemn atmosphere. Following that is the series’ most familiar field theme, “Green Greens”. Fitting as an opening piece, it looks back over 25 years of history.

Kirby's Adventure Medley[edit]

2. 星のカービィ 夢の泉の物語メドレー
2. Kirby's Adventure Medley
(『星のカービィ 夢の泉の物語』より)
(From "Kirby's Adventure")
プププランドにある夢の泉は、眠りについた人々に夢と安らぎを与えます。その夢の泉を背景とした、うとうと見る夢のような旋律。ふわふわと浮かぶ雲の上、夕日に照らされた広い海の中を漂い、朝焼けのような色の空を帰還するエンディングへと続きます。心にしみる情景が浮かぶメドレーです。
The Fountain of Dreams in Dream Land grants dreams and peace to those who sleep. Set against that fountain, the melody feels like a drifting dream. Floating above fluffy clouds, wandering across a wide sea bathed in sunset light, it continues into an ending that returns beneath a dawn-colored sky. It’s a medley that brings touching scenes to mind.

King Dedede & Meta Knight Medley[edit]

3. デデデ大王&メタナイト・タッグメドレー
3. King Dedede & Meta Knight Medley
(『星のカービィ』『星のカービィ スーパーデラックス』『星のカービィ ウルトラスーパーデラックス』より)
(From "Kirby's Dream Land", "Kirby Super Star" & "Kirby Super Star Ultra")
カービィのライバルとなる、デデデ大王やメタナイトの関連曲。ティンパニが低く鳴り響き、決戦を思わせるような勇ましく格好良い曲が続きます。ハードボイルドな味のあるラストシーンで締めた、しびれる格好良さのあるメドレーです。
A medley of themes related to Kirby’s rivals, King Dedede and Meta Knight. Low, resonant timpani lead into bold, cool tracks that evoke a decisive showdown. It concludes with a hard-boiled final scene, making for a thrillingly stylish medley.

Kirby's Dream Land 2 Animal Friends Medley[edit]

4. 星のカービィ2なかまメドレー
4. Kirby's Dream Land 2 Animal Friends Medley
(『星のカービィ2』より)
(From "Kirby's Dream Land 2")
カービィの助けとなる、新しい3匹の仲間たちのテーマ曲。リックのテーマは、リズミカルなかわいらしさをそのまま、弾むような演奏です。カインのテーマはゆったりとした雰囲気で演奏され、海中の雄大な雰囲気を醸し出しています。クーのテーマは、疾走感のあるクールな曲。パーカッションが小刻みに響きます。三者三様のメドレーとなりました。
A medley of themes for Kirby’s three new animal friends who come to his aid. Rick’s theme keeps its rhythmic cuteness with a lively, bouncy performance. Kine’s theme is played with a relaxed feel, evoking the vastness of the sea. Coo’s theme is a cool, fast-paced track with brisk percussion. Together, they form a medley that highlights each character’s distinct style.

Kirby's Dream Land 3 / Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Medley[edit]

5. 星のカービィ3&64メドレー
5. Kirby's Dream Land 3 / Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Medley
(『星のカービィ3』『星のカービィ64』より)
(From “Kirby’s Dream Land 3” and “Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards”)
前半の2曲はスーパーファミコン『星のカービィ3』の楽曲、後半の3曲はNINTENDO64『星のカービィ64』の楽曲で、いろいろなエリアの曲が選ばれています。エリアごとの雰囲気だけでなく、優雅に始まり、最後はだんだんと盛り上がるなど、さまざまな表情をもったオーケストラ演奏を楽しむことができるメドレーとなっています。
The first two pieces are from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s "Kirby’s Dream Land 3", and the latter three are from the Nintendo 64’s "Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards", selecting tracks from various areas. Beyond simply reflecting each area’s atmosphere, the medley begins gracefully and gradually builds to an exciting finish, allowing you to enjoy an orchestral performance rich with varied expressions.

Kirby Super Star Medley[edit]

6. 星のカービィ スーパーデラックスメドレー
6. Kirby Super Star Medley
(『星のカービィ スーパーデラックス』より)
(From "Kirby Super Star")
スーパーファミコンでお茶の間を夢中にさせた「スーパーデラックス」。後にさまざまなアレンジをされている楽曲も多くありますが、今回は当時の雰囲気をそのままにオーケストラで演奏されるので、懐かしい気持ちで楽しむことができます。ゲームと同じく、たくさんの楽曲をひとつに詰め込んだデラックスな1曲です。
“Kirby Super Star” captivated living rooms on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. While many of its tracks have since received various arrangements, this time they are performed by orchestra while preserving the atmosphere of the time, letting you enjoy them with nostalgic feelings. Like the game itself, it’s a deluxe piece packed with many songs into one.

Kirby Air Ride Medley[edit]

7. カービィのエアライドメドレー
7. Kirby Air Ride Medley
(『カービィのエアライド』より)
(From “Kirby Air Ride”)
「エアライド」モードから2曲、「シティトライアル」から1曲を選出。ゲーム中に使われているオーケストラ調の曲が、本物のオーケストラで演奏されます。堂々たる演奏を目の前に、ここにしかない臨場感を味わうことのできるメドレーです。
Two pieces are selected from “Air Ride” mode and one from “City Trial.” The orchestral-style tracks used in the game are performed by a real orchestra. With such a magnificent performance before you, this medley offers a sense of presence you can experience only here.

Kirby & The Amazing Mirror / Kirby: Squeak Squad Medley[edit]

8. 星のカービィ 鏡の大迷宮&参上! ドロッチェ団メドレー
8. Kirby & The Amazing Mirror / Kirby: Squeak Squad Medley
(『星のカービィ 鏡の大迷宮』『星のカービィ 参上!ドロッチェ団』より)(From “Kirby & the Amazing Mirror” and “Kirby: Squeak Squad”)
ゲームボーイアドバンス、ニンテンドーDSで発売された、手軽に遊べる携帯機の2タイトル。手もとで軽快に鳴っていた楽曲ですが、オーケストラによって広がりと深みを味わえます。
Two portable titles released on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS that could be enjoyed casually. Though their music once played briskly from handheld systems, here it gains breadth and depth through orchestral performance.

Kirby Ball Medley[edit]

9. ボールになったカービィメドレー
9. Kirby Ball Medley
(『カービィのピンボール』『カービィボウル』『タッチ!カービィ』『タッチ!カービィ スーパーレインボー』より)
(From “Kirby’s Pinball Land”, “Kirby’s Dream Course”, “Kirby: Canvas Curse” & “Kirby and the Rainbow Curse”)
「ウィスピーウッズランド」の明るく楽しい雰囲気で始まる、『星のカービィ』本編シリーズ以外からのメドレー。「カービィボウル」の「コース8:雪ステージ」など、本編とはまた少し趣の異なる楽曲を少しずつ楽しむことができる1曲です。オーケストラでは想像がつかないような「ドロシア ソーサレス」は、メロディーを生かしながらミステリアスな雰囲気を独自にまとめたアレンジに。心晴れわたるような旋律の「天かける虹」は、雄大な雰囲気でラストを締めています。
Beginning with the bright and cheerful mood of “Whispy Woods Land”, this medley draws from titles outside the main Kirby series. It lets you enjoy, little by little, tracks with a slightly different flavor, such as “Iceberg Ocean” from Kirby’s Dream Course. “Drawcia Sorceress”, reimagined in a way hard to imagine in orchestral form, preserves the melody while shaping a uniquely mysterious atmosphere. The clear, uplifting melody of “Rainbow Across the Skies” closes the medley with a grand feeling.

Kirby Triple Deluxe Medley[edit]

10. 星のカービィ トリプルデラックスメドレー
10. Kirby Triple Deluxe Medley
(『星のカービィ トリプルデラックス』より)
(From “Kirby: Triple Deluxe”)
プププランドと浮遊大陸フロラルドを突然つないだ、巨大なワールドツリー。ほのぼのとした最初のステージの曲から始まりますが、一気に物語のクライマックスへと駆け上るメドレーとなっています。緊張感ある戦いを躍動感あふれるオーケストラの演奏で描く中、ラスボスとなるクィン・セクトニア戦の楽曲「狂花水月」では静寂が訪れ、美しい音色が響きます。数々の場面展開を思い浮かべながら楽しめる1曲で、壮大に盛り上がりながらもラストは物静かに余韻を残します。
The giant Dreamstalk suddenly connects Dream Land and the floating continent Floralia. The medley begins with the gentle first-stage theme, then swiftly ascends to the story’s climax. As tense battles are portrayed through dynamic orchestral performance, “Fatal Blooms in Moonlight”, the theme of the final boss Queen Sectonia, brings a moment of stillness and beautiful tones. It’s a piece you can enjoy while recalling many scenes, building grandly before ending in quiet resonance.

Kirby: Planet Robobot Medley[edit]

11. 星のカービィ ロボボプラネットメドレー
11. Kirby: Planet Robobot Medley
(『星のカービィ ロボボプラネット』より)
(From “Kirby: Planet Robobot”)
ロボボアーマーに乗り、宇宙からの侵略者と戦うカービィ。機械的な音色の原曲とは異なり生のオーケストラによる演奏となりますが、存分に勇ましさを感じることができます。中盤からは、敵組織ハルトマンワークスカンパニーのテーマフレーズや、グリーングリーンズのフレーズが用いられ、短い中にも壮大な戦いが描かれたメドレーとなっています。
Kirby rides the Robobot Armor to battle invaders from space. Unlike the original’s mechanical tones, this version is performed by a live orchestra, yet fully conveys its bravery. From the middle onward, it incorporates theme phrases from the villainous Haltmann Works Company and motifs from “Green Greens,” creating a medley that depicts a grand conflict within a compact span.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Medley[edit]

12. 星のカービィ Wiiメドレー
12. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Medley
(『星のカービィ Wii』より)
(From “Kirby’s Return to Dream Land”)
不時着したマホロアを助けるため、宇宙船のパーツを取り戻しに旅立つカービィと仲間たち。やがて、とんでもない戦いへと巻き込まれていきます。そんな『星のカービィ Wii』の物語を、1曲に凝縮したメドレーです。『星のカービィ』シリーズらしく、草原、塔、火山と数々のエリアをめぐる様子が表現されています。そこから後半はガラリと雰囲気を変え、ラスボスへ。グリーングリーンズのフレーズも混じり、気分も最高潮に。そして明るくエンディングを迎え、コンサートもグランドフィナーレとなります。
To help the stranded Magolor, Kirby and his friends set out to recover parts of a spaceship, only to be drawn into an incredible battle. This medley condenses the story of Kirby’s Return to Dream Land into a single piece. True to the Kirby series, it portrays journeys through grasslands, towers, volcanoes, and more. In the latter half, the mood shifts dramatically toward the final boss. With “Green Greens” motifs woven in, excitement peaks. It then closes with a bright ending, bringing the concert to its grand finale.

DVD/Blu-ray release[edit]

The Blu-ray and DVD releases are largely identical other than the difference in format. They include a video recording of the concert with chapter selection for each song and a multi-angle feature, which allows for switching between the pre-recorded game footage and the live concert footage. Additionally, the commentary between songs is included, but not mentioned on the packaging or on the menu screen. The concert footage begins automatically when the disc is inserted, and the menu screen is only available once the concert ends or if the MENU button is pressed.

The three-disc CD+Blu-ray set cost ¥8000 ($51.94), while the three-disc CD+DVD cost ¥7000 ($45.45), both minus tax.

Official uploads[edit]

On March 14th, 2022, to celebrate the series' 30th anniversary and in anticipation for the Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Festival, the official Kirby and Nintendo YouTube accounts uploaded a handful of pieces from the concert: "Grand Opening", "Kirby's Dream Land 3/Kirby 64 Medley", "Kirby Super Star Medley", "Kirby's Return to Dream Land Medley" and "Kirby's Dream Land 2 Animal Friends Medley". All of the uploads were made private on March 31st, 2023.

At launch, Nintendo Today! featured videos of each of the individual pieces as part of its daily news updates. Each medley was posted in the order it was performed in the concert, starting with "Kirby 25th Anniversary: Grand Opening" on March 27th, 2025 and continuing through early April.

Gallery[edit]

Trivia[edit]

  • Free music sheets of "Kirby's Adventure Medley" and "King Dedede & Meta Knight Medley" used to be available on the official website (distribution link, now a broken link).
  • The ending of "Kirby's 25th Anniversary: Grand Opening" references the ending of "Gourmet Race to Green Greens: Chamber Music" from the Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition Compilation Soundtrack. Likewise, a section in the "Kirby Air Ride Medley" references the arrangement of "The Legendary Air Ride Machine" from Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
    • Both of these references come from specific rearrangements done by Shogo Sakai, which might explain their inclusions here, given his contributions toward the concert as a whole.

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese 星のカービィ25周年記念オーケストラコンサート
Hoshi no Kābyi 25 shūnen kinen ōkesutora konsāto
Kirby of the Stars 25th Anniversary Commemorative Orchestra Concert
Chinese 星之卡比25週年紀念管弦樂音樂會[5]
Xīng zhī Kǎbǐ 25 Zhōunián Jìniàn Guǎnxiányuè Yīnyuèhuì
Kirby of the Stars 25th Anniversary Commemorative Orchestra Concert
Dutch Kirby 25-jarig jubileumorkestconcert[6] Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert
French Kirby Concert orchestral du 25e anniversaire[6] Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestral Concert
German Konzert zu Kirbys 25. Jubiläum[7] Concert for Kirby's 25th Anniversary
Italian Kirby Concerto d'orchestra per il 25º anniversario[6] Kirby Orchestra Concert for the 25th Anniversary
Korean 별의 커비 25주년 기념 오케스트라 콘서트[8]
byeolui keobi isip-ojunyeon ginyeom okeseuteura conseoteu
Kirby of the Stars 25th Anniversary Commemorative Orchestra Concert
Portuguese Concerto de orquestra do 25º aniversário de Kirby[9]
Kirby Concerto orquestral do 25º aniversário[6]
Orchestra concert of the 25th anniversary of Kirby
Kirby orchestral Concert of the 25th anniversary
Spanish Concierto de orquesta del 25.º aniversario de Kirby[10] Orchestra concert of the 25th anniversary of Kirby


External links[edit]

References