In a first of its kind for the Free State, music lovers can look forward to a completely unique and immersive concert experience featuring theme music from some of the world’s most popular video games, and performed live by the Free State Symphony Orchestra (FSSO).
The FSSO’s Epic Gamical Concert will feature music from games like Call of Duty, Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Brothers, Civilization, amongst others, as well as theme music from Game of Thrones.
The orchestra will be joined by renowned American cellist, Caleb Vaughn-Jones, who has performed throughout North America, Asia, the West Indies and southern Africa as a soloist and chamber musician. In addition to traditional concert music, Caleb is passionate about bringing lesser known music to orchestral audiences. He has collaborated with actors on-stage and in film, and through his own music production company, produces sound recordings for international video gaming companies.
As part of the FSSO’s commitment to creating opportunities for professional development for the region’s local talent, the predominantly student choir IMBA! will also be performing in the concert. The production is hosted in conjunction with the Kovsie Gaming League, a University of the Free State based initiative, and will see members of the League playing live video games while the orchestra performs.
Alexander Fokkens, CEO of the FSSO and conductor for the Epic Gamical Concert, says that even though the genre of gaming music is in its infancy, the growth in popularity of gaming in South Africa will see increasing awareness for the ‘art’ of video game music. He believes that events like these could eventually come to be regarded as the pops concerts of the future for a new generation of orchestral music appreciators.
For more information about the concert, contact Ella Kotze at the FSSO on 051 401 2342, or visit the FSSO’s Facebook page (@ Free State Symphony Orchestra) for regular updates.