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Cue the lights, music and video games

A Review

Austin Henry

Issue date: 6/10/09 Section: Opinion
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Conductor Jack Wall leads Victoria through the music World of Warcraft during Video Games Live.
Media Credit: Austin Henry
Conductor Jack Wall leads Victoria through the music World of Warcraft during Video Games Live.

To the adventurous and curious, Victoria offers a wide variety of diversions and activities that range from local musicians playing in pubs to colossal rock bands such as Nine Inch Nails. This includes a fascinating hybrid called Video Games Live. When Video Games Live came to Victoria, I jumped at the chance to volunteer for the show. With a full access pass in hand, I got a unique look at a very different style of orchestra performance. I met and worked with the producers and performers who travel across the globe, delighting audiences of all ages and interests. The show, started in 2005 by director Tommy Tallarico and conductor Jack Wall. I first went to see the show this January, taking my younger brother as a birthday gift. The performances were astounding. The core part of Video Games Live is the theme music to all sorts of video games, from the classic and retro to the ultramodern.The music is performed by world famous philharmonic orchestras, often backed up by a professional choir. This is enough to generate excitement amongst music-lovers and video gamers alike. The next and most visually stunning element is the choreographed light show, the equipment for which is specially made and transported from venue to venue along with the show. From lasers to smoke machines to strobe lights, the stage crew puts on quite the display. Accompanying the light show is a massive screen, which shows video clips from the respective games. The final, interactive element varies from piece to piece. Ranging from costume contests to the grand finale, an on-stage Guitar Hero contest, the audience is actively involved in the show.
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