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In the pantheon of classical composers, the work of musicians that work within the video game space is often overlooked. However in recent years that view has begun to change with the gatekeepers of orchestral music, such as Classic FM, recognising the incredible work that has become beloved by fans around the world.
The latest firm to bring its music to the live stage is PlayStation, who will be debuting their PlayStation in Concert show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 30th.
The show will feature music from PlayStation exclusive titles spanning the brand’s legacy including The Last of Us, The Last Guardian, the Uncharted series, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, LittleBigPlanet and Horizon Zero Dawn.
The night will be presented by BAFTA award-winning composer of the soundtrack to Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, Jessica Curry, who also hosts the video-game music show High Score.
The music will be faithfully performed by the 80-strong Royal Philharmonic Orchestra who will be joined by the City of London Choir. As is tradition for game concerts, the music will be accompanied by a stunning light show and footage of the aforementioned games.
The concert will also feature the first use of EnCue at the Royal Albert Hall – a real-time programme note app that delivers media and content to concertgoers’ smartphones as the music unfolds from the stage.
“Having this opportunity to work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, to realise some iconic PlayStation soundtracks in concert form is a dream come true," commented Alastair Lindsay, head of audio, Worldwide Studios Creative Services Group. "We have been working closely with game studios and composers to create new, and never before heard, arrangements to perform in one of the world’s premier concert music venues.”
James Williams, managing director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra added: “PlayStation has been a force in the world of arts and entertainment for some of its fans’ entire lives. Many people today have grown up with the music video games, and have come to love the sound of the orchestra through playing."
Sam Jackson, Classic FM’s managing editor, said: “The success of our two series of High Score, and the fact that over half a million under-25-year-olds now listen to Classic FM every week, is proof of a growing younger audience for classical music in the UK. We’re really pleased to be partnering with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and PlayStation on this, the first event of its kind, which promises to be an exciting night of world-class music.”
[Original story by Jack Ridsdale for our sister title Licensing.biz]
