Ben-DutkaIf you're not familiar with Video Games Live, you've been missing out. Known for putting the classical orchestra spin on your favorite game tracks, this is one group that's well worth seeing.
And soon, you'll get the chance to see them from the comfort of your armchair in the living room. It has been announced that Video Games Live and PBS are collaborating to produce an exclusive nationwide PBS special based on the very popular and well-received Video Games Live series. This performance will be taped on February 5, 2010 at the Lakefront Arena in New Orelans with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and it will first air in June. But if you can't wait; if you'd much rather be there in person, tickets for the live show will go on sale on Friday, December 18 (nab yours by visiting ticketmaster.com, calling 1-800-745-3000 or by simply visiting the Lakefront Arena Box Office). Said PBS Vice President of Programming, Joe Campbell:
"We believe the concept of introducing young audiences to an orchestra through the music of video games fits perfectly with PBS’s mission in a very new and creative way. We are very optimistic that the program will be a big success!"
The New York Times has called Video Games Live "Captivating!" and "Bombastic!" and these guys continue to prove to everyone just how much art is involved in the video game industry. They've already performed to sold-out crowds all around the world and believe it or not, they've been doing this since 2002. Said game composer and CEO of Video Games Live, Tommy Tallarico:
"This is an incredible opportunity for us to reach an audience that normally may not be familiar with how far video games have come and how amazing the music can be. It’s an honor for us to be a part of such a groundbreaking event with PBS and I’m really excited about the potential positive effects this will have on the entire game industry and its millions of fans."
Best of all, they'll release a companion DVD and Blu-Ray of this performance, which will go on sale later next year and "showcase additional segments and many special extras including behind-the-scenes footage, making of Video Games Live, interactive angles, exclusive game developer and composer interviews, special never before seen game trailers and much more." You can also expect the follow-up to the Video Games Live: Volume One CD; Volume Two will also be out in 2010. For all fans of video games, you just gotta give Video Games Live the proper props.
Never heard of it, but I'll tune in this year and give it a shot.
Nice….Anything that helps put gaming into the forefront & limelight is always a huge plus for us.
That's awesome. I was thinking about music in video games because I just got GoW I & II osts and made a copy of the Einhander ost for one of my friends. I can't wait for the special and the DVD
Video Games Live is an awesome show. I got a chance to see it live when it was in town at the beginning of the year. Most definitely worth checking out. Way to go PBS.
Yeah Video Game Live is awesome, my friend in Brazil always attends the show whenever they are there, however they never seem to visit new york at the right time for me :(.But good to hear that it'll be on PBS, will be watching.
I've played with Tommy Tallarico when we did a video games live show here in Louisville. I'm a member of the Louisville Orchestra. It's a fun show, we did One-winged Angel, and Tommy plays a few game themes on electric guitar including the Halo theme, and the castlevania theme. I had a good time playing with them.
I got to see them in Pittsburgh. absolutely incredible!!