The world of video games comes to life in a Classic FM Radio Orchestra multimedia concert

26 January 2018, Sofia

The world of video games comes to life in a Classic FM Radio Orchestra multimedia concert on March 14, 2018. “The World of Video Game Music” is part of the 8th season of the “Music of America” concert series, presented by Cantus Firmus and the America for Bulgaria Foundation. The program comprises memorable musical excerpts from gamers’ favorites such as World of Warcraft, Starcraft II, Overwatch, Uncharted 2, Diablo III, Super Mario, Gears of War 2, Fallout 4, Call of Duty, and Lord of the Rings Online, among others. The selected pieces are diverse in character, following the best traditions of orchestral film music. All scores were composed for games created by the leading companies in this industry. All musical performances will be illustrated with visuals including games’ characters projected onto a big screen over the orchestra. The principal conductor for this concert is Amy Andersson, who is famous for her work as music director and conductor of the Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses concert project. Ms. Andersson has appeared as guest conductor of many elite orchestras throughout Europe, Canada, the US, and Mexico.
“The World of Video Game Music” is a unique event in Bulgaria’s cultural calendar and most works will have their Bulgarian premiere during the concert. Three of the composers are expected to attend this live performance. One of them is Neal Acree, who contributed music to World of Warcraft and Diablo III, as well as to a number of other hit games. Mr. Acree is to also take up the baton and lead the orchestra for the performances of his own compositions.
Bulgarian composer Penka Kouneva, who has a successful career as composer and orchestrator, is to visit from Los Angeles – also on the occasion of this concert. She wrote the music to the game Prince of Persia, which appears on the concert program. She also has an active role in helping organize this concert, providing some of her valuable personal contacts from the film and computer industries. Another Bulgarian highlight in this concert is the music to Divinity: Original Sin 2, which garnered several prestigious awards in 2017, including British magazine PC Gamer’s Game of the Year. The music was written by Borislav Slavov, who is also part of the composers’ team for the games Crysis 2 and Crysis 3, and who works closely with Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe, among others.
Tickets for this concert on March 14 range from 20 to 50 Bulgarian Leva and can be purchased at the Cantus Firmus box-office at Bulgaria Hall, as well as online at www.ticketsbg.com.