10 Video Game Soundtracks You Can Listen In Concert

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The role of music in video games has been pivotal, making the gaming experience more immersive and memorable than it would be otherwise. The unforgettable moments from playing classic games are often linked to these tunes, which carry an element of nostalgia. These compositions have been crafted with passion and skill by talented musicians, adding depth and significance to the gaming experience for players.

Live game music deserves no dismissal, for it can be just as enchanting or even more so compared to the contemporary live music we encounter today. This is because an increasing number of live performances are dedicated to decades-old game music that have remained etched in our memories since our childhood. Some focus on a single franchise, while others showcase a diverse range of soundtracks throughout the years.

If you’re keen on enjoying the captivating sensation of hearing video game music performed live, then there are orchestras that put on live shows. While some of these orchestras only perform for a limited time, others do so full-time. But if these orchestras happen to be located too far from you, you can still enjoy their performances by watching them on YouTube or streaming their music on Spotify.

Instead of traveling for performances, game-specific concerts such as the “Pokemon Symphony” and “The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses” have temporarily ceased touring, with few updates about their future schedules. The listings provided here are either ongoing tours or include recordings available online.

10. Gamer Symphony Orchestra

Bringing The Love Of Games To College

The Gamer Symphony Orchestra, being the initial group of students at the University of Maryland, specializes in playing orchestral renditions of music from video games.

Here’s another way:

Known as the “first student-led ensemble dedicated to performing video game symphonies,” the Gamer Symphony Orchestra is a musical group affiliated with the University of Maryland that focuses on interpreting popular video game tunes in an orchestral style.

As a devoted admirer, I’m part of an extraordinary ensemble known as the Gamer Symphony Orchestra, boasting over 120 talented student musicians. Three times each semester, we grace the stage with our performances, but there are occasions when we take our show to larger, grander venues. Our repertoire spans a wide range of video game soundtracks, with iconic pieces from “Smash Bros”, “NieR”, and “Legend of Zelda” being among our favorites.

This year, the GSO is scheduled to perform in February. If you can’t make it to Maryland, don’t worry! They broadcast their performances live on Twitch. Additionally, they are currently accepting auditions for new musicians; however, it seems that there is a waiting list for those interested.

9. Game On!

Elegance And Majesty

A key difference between today’s video games and their older counterparts lies in the use of professional orchestras for their background music, which lends them an impressive, fitting sense of grandeur during gameplay.

If you’re interested in orchestras that specialize in blockbuster video game soundtracks, then Game On! is definitely worth exploring. Featuring music from games such as Destiny 2, The Witcher 3, and Baldur’s Gate 3 (among many others), you’ll likely find a piece that resonates with you.

Game On! doesn’t just offer music; it delivers high-definition videos that are expertly synced with the powerful symphony of a complete orchestra. Their tour will continue all the way up to June 2025.

8. Stardew Valley Orchestra

Your Farm Flourishes

The soothing melodies from the Stardew Valley soundtrack have found a comfortable space in the hearts and minds of numerous fans, reminding them fondly of their experiences as they cultivated their farms and built relationships within Pelican Town.

The fresh “Stardew Valley” symphony, titled “Symphony of Seasons,” showcases a full 35-member orchestra playing all the beloved tunes from your cherished farm and romance simulation game, with an emphasis on seasonal and location motifs, as well as exclusive music crafted specifically for this concert.

The tour will run from August 29, 2025, through March 8, 2026. It begins in Seattle, Washington, and concludes in Dublin, Ireland.

7. Sonic Symphony

Escape From The City

Anyone who has spent their childhood playing any game from the Sonic series will confirm that its music consistently evokes a sense of being cool while stirring up a touch of youthful nostalgia, with hits such as “Live and Learn” by Crush 40 or iconic themes like Chemical Plant Zone.

The Sonic Symphony offers a unique and heartwarming demonstration of the widespread affection for the Sonic series, with the orchestra performing remastered medleys from the timeless games.

This event offers an immersive musical journey, spanning over three decades of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It blends various music genres seamlessly with gameplay clips that fit just right. You’ll have the chance to rock along to fan favorites like “I Am… All Of Me” and enjoy Shadow’s edgy persona at its best.

According to current information, the last known concert took place on January 11, 2025. Unfortunately, we don’t have definite details about their next tour yet. Here’s hoping that we’ll get an opportunity to enjoy Sonic Symphony at least once in our lives.

6. A New World/Distant Worlds

Uematsu Always Delivers

The “Final Fantasy” series is particularly renowned for its grandiose and otherworldly tunes, with many of its finest pieces being skillfully created by the one-of-a-kind composer, Nobuo Uematsu.

This release, titled “A New World: intimate music from FINAL FANTASY,”, represents a more condensed or streamlined take on the well-established success that is Distant Worlds.

Under the guidance of Eric Roth from AWR Music, A New World features various reinterpretations of tracks from the series. Each arrangement is uniquely crafted to offer a distinct listening experience for the audience.

Regarding “Distant Worlds”, it’s led by Arnie Roth (son of the same name), and boasts several albums available on Spotify for listening. Since concert tickets can be costly and they travel globally, you might want to enjoy these performances through their recorded albums if attending in person isn’t feasible.

5. FF7 Rebirth Orchestra

Let The Orchestra Begin!

If you’re still feeling the emotional impact of 2024’s FF7 Rebirth and yearn to reexperience its memorable scenes and enjoy its outstanding music, then the FF7 Rebirth Orchestra is just what you need. This orchestra performs the game’s soundtrack along with stunningly rendered pre-show visuals.

Just as the previous version, you can witness Cloud and his group engaging in fierce battles against their adversaries, or even enjoy the amusing march of the Shinra parade. At the same time, you’ll be fully absorbed into the sound environments characteristic of the world of Final Fantasy 7.

Beyond this, the captivating theme music for Gwent – or rather, Queen’s Blood – will additionally serve as a trigger for potential relapses in your addiction.

For a brief period, an orchestral concert produced by AWR Music Productions and led by globally recognized father-son conductors Arnie and Eric Roth, is traveling the world. The tour concludes in Barcelona on March 30, 2025.

4. PlayStation The Concert

Traveling The Realm Of Europe In 2025

For enthusiasts of Sony’s creations, this forthcoming event promises an exciting treat. The preview hints at a visually and audibly rich experience, with spectacular light displays and video content that promises to deepen the spectator’s immersion.

Highlighting tunes from Sony’s top-notch selections such as “God of War,” “The Last of Us,” and “Ghost of Tsushima,” PlayStation: The Concert honors Sony’s extensive library of intellectual properties, much like the latest star performer, “Astro Bot.” Here’s hoping we’ll hear some tracks from “Bloodborne” or “Crash Bandicoot” as well!

At present, only Europe tour dates have been announced. The tour kicks off in Dublin on April 19, 2025, and concludes in Oslo on May 25, 2025. As of now, it’s unclear if they will embark on an international tour, but the website hints that further information might be revealed later.

3. NieR: Orchestra 12024 [The End of Data]

Glory To [Y]oko Taro!

Among all game stories, none can match the emotional depth and beauty found in the finale of “The End of YoRHA” from NieR. Rest assured, there are no spoilers here. However, if you’re planning on enjoying AWR Music Production’s NieR orchestra, it might be beneficial to have a general understanding of its plot to fully appreciate the music.

Under the direction of Eric Roth, the NieR Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus masterfully transport you to the otherworldly realm of Yoko Taro’s imagination, as interpreted through Keiichi Okabe’s compositions from NieR:Automata.

In addition to new, unprecedented narrative set following Ending E, the voices of Kira Buckley and Kyle McCarley are utilized for storytelling, while also hinting at a mystery within the community that Yoko Taro could have chosen to establish as part of the official lore.

Additionally, singers J’Nique Nicole and Emi Evans grace the stage with their performances of their individual pieces. The ensemble also sings in the fictitious “Chaos” dialect.

Unfortunately, as of January 25, 2025, the NieR Orchestra has wrapped up its tour in Seoul without any definite plans for future performances. If you’re yearning to listen to “Kaine” or “Weight of the World,” there are numerous recordings and reviews available online for your listening pleasure.

2. 8-Bit Big Band

Grammy-Winning Excellence

8-Bit Band, a full-sized cover orchestra situated in New York City, is recognized particularly for its Tony and Grammy Award-winning conductor Charlie Rosen. They have gained fame for their unique interpretations of game soundtracks, such as their Frank Sinatra versions of “Still Alive” from Portal and “Want You Gone.” The band has also received accolades for their rendition of “Meta Knight’s Revenge.

8-Bit Big Band doesn’t embark on global tours but instead, they play at specific locations within North America. Their upcoming performance is scheduled for Philadelphia on the 7th of February.

You can listen to their tunes on Spotify as well. Interestingly, if your group is large and you require musical scores, they make their sheet music available for free on their own website.

1. Video Games Live

Breaking World Records

Video Games Live might be considered one of the top-tier orchestral performances based on video games, featuring a symphony orchestra, choir, and sometimes special invited soloists.

Music from Video Game Legends (VGL), established by industry expert Tommy Tallarico, frequently features captivating light displays synchronized with the tunes and strategically timed video game cinematics.

Or in a simpler way:

Tommy Tallarico’s VGL music is often accompanied by beautiful light shows and well-timed video game scenes.

And a more conversational version:

You know, Tommy Tallarico’s VGL music doesn’t just play on its own; it’s usually paired with stunning light displays and perfectly timed video game cutscenes!

What sets VGL apart is not only its inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records, but also its unique origin – it’s a platform created by and tailored for gamers. It has attracted renowned musicians from the internet such as Lindsey Sterling, Malukah, and Peter Hollens.

Since 2005, they have been consistently giving performances worldwide, whether it be for dedicated shows or as contracted entertainers at events like conventions. However, in the year 2025, their tour will primarily focus on North America.

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2025-02-04 19:41