Play ! A Videogame Symphony @Sydney Opera House (18/06/07)

Fri 22nd Jun, 2007 in Gig Reviews

I’m an avid videogame player. That’s why, when I heard that Play! A Videogame Symphony was coming to Sydney I really needed to go to that concert. What better way to enjoy a night than being in the Opera House for the first time, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and crafted videogames visuals throughout the performance.

As soon as I sat (I was really late) the lights went down and the magic began. I felt I recognized the Fanfare they played at first but couldn’t place it in any of the games I’ve played, that’s because it was composed by Nobuo Uematsu, the mastermind behind most Final Fantasy games and Chrono Trigger scores.

To officially start the show, the orchestra went back to the 80s, to the time when 8bit games ruled television screens everywhere and the boom of the Nintendo system arised. It was time for a Super Mario Brothers’ medley which included tracks from the overworld, water and the underground dungeons from the original game, the airship stages in Super Mario Bros. 3, the opening titles of Super Mario World and the Bob-omb battlefield at Super Mario 64. After the iconic Mario took center stage it was time for Shenmue, a game for Sega Dreamcast.

Another track from Uematsu from the upcoming videogame Lost Odyssey for the XBOX 360. Other tracks played during the first half of the concert were Metal Gear Solid, which featured clips from Metal Gear Solid 3 and the upcoming sequel for the Playstation 3, Metal Gear Solid 4, a fun Sonic the Hedgehog medley, the upcoming rpg Blue Dragon, and a captivating Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 medley. One of the best tracks of the nights, Dancing Mad from Final Fantasy 6 included a full use of the Opera House’s organ along with the vocals of Cantillation.

After the intermission, heavy songs from Elder Scrolls: Oblivion and popular first person shooter Halo, were played with a wide range of visuals. A medley of the immensely popular, World of Warcraft, made gamers cheers. A special visit from Silent Hill music composer Akira Yamaoka, who played the guitar along with the orchestra, totally rocked the audience. His guest appearance was only for the June 19-20 performances. A nostalgic Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross meadley will bring memories to those who played one of the best rpgs ever produced and its sequel.

The Castlevania track was the most intense and the coordination with the visuals was impeccable. As huge fights in screen were erupting, the energy of the orchestra rose. To close the night a The Legend of Zelda medley caused me to get a little teary eyed with an aptly played flute for the intro of Ocarina of Time, a track from Legend of Zelda: The Adventures of Link, the classic overworld and dungeon themes from the original The Legend of Zelda and tracks from A Link to the Past.

As Arnie Roth, the conductor, left the stage I felt like something was incomplete in the act. I felt a little cheated, but for a second. He came back. Because no show will be completed without One Winged Angel, one the most popular songs from Final Fantasy 7. The song was introduced with a video of Uematsu himself. Yes, I wanted to dance in my seat.

As videogames are getting more and more elaborate and complex over time, and teh battle for marketshare continues it’s always good to know that we can still truly appreciate one of the elements that put videogames – classics and modern – above other forms of entertainment: the music and their relevance to the game play experience. Play! A Videogame Symphony won’t disappoint even if you’re a hardcore fan, mild player or simply a music lover.