Boredom, a short attention span and lack of formal wear are no longer valid excuses for missing out on an evening at the symphony – Video Games Live has made them obsolete.
Designed to combine gaming and fine arts into one, the interactive and immersive show of video game music as performed by the Houston Symphony is accompanied by synchronized clips, lighting effects and guest performances,
In 2005, Video Games Live debuted to a packed house at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, and has been selling out shows internationally ever since.
The 7:30 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St., will mark the tour’s second appearance in Houston, and the first one played to a sold-out crowd.
Event organizers say part of the program’s appeal is the uniqueness of the show, as each city’s performance is tailored to its venue and draws on different combinations of musical selections, special and solo performances and pre-concert festivities.
According to the "Video Game Pianist" Martin Leung’s Web site, www.videogamepianist.com, he’s scheduled to appear at this weekend’s shows.
Leung, 20, performed at the Video Games Live premiere and at many subsequent shows, where he garnered awards and honors for his classical piano skills, as well as Internet and industry notoriety for his video game arrangements and solos.
Video Games Live also draws on a broad repertoire of musical selections, from classic Atari and Nintendo games to modern franchises such as World of Warcraft, Splinter Cell, Tomb Raider, Zelda and God of War.
Randomly selected audience members will also have the opportunity to play video games against each other on stage, with live musical accompaniment from the symphony, for the chance to win an AMD Ferrari laptop, worth $2500.
Audience members are encouraged to arrive early for pre-show festivities, including a costume contest. A meet-and-greet with prominent industry members will follow each show.
More information is available at www.videogameslive.com.
