In order to celebrate the role of computer games introducing orchestral music to a new generation of people, PlayStation, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Classic FM have joined forces to present PlayStation in Concert.
Next week, the PlayStation in Concert will feature games spanning from all the generations of PlayStation, right from the original PS1 to the PS4. It will be performed by the 80-strong Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and joined by the City of London Choir. The programme includes music from great titles such as The Last of Us, The Last Guardian, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, LittleBigPlanet, Horizon Zero Dawn and many more, so you can instantly tell this going to be amazing!
The very talented Jessica Curry will be hosting the event. Jessica has done a lot for computer video game music, including being the BAFTA award-winning composer of the soundtrack to Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. It will also see EnCue being used at the Royal Albert Hall. This is a real-time programme note app that delivers media and content to concertgoers’ smartphones as the music unfolds from the stage. James Williams, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra stated:
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. This truly 21st century concert, accompanied by the latest technology to enhance the concert experience, is a signpost for where orchestral music is expanding. It is fantastic that one of the world’s great orchestras will collaborate with other leaders in their fields to craft something very exciting for a new generation of concert goers.
Alastair Lindsay, Head of Audio, Worldwide Studios Creative Services Group also added:
Music is a vital component in our player’s overall gaming experience; it helps us truly immerse the player and transport them into exciting and unfamiliar worlds or emotionally driven experiences. With this in mind, it’s unsurprising that the appetite for video game soundtracks is growing all the time and that the music is being enjoyed in its own right. Having this opportunity to work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, to realise some iconic PlayStation soundtracks in concert form is a dream come true. 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.
Finally, 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.
The concert will be held at the Royal Albert Hall, May 30th, 7:30pm and more information can be found here. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.