M E D I A  A D V I S O R Y

It’s the power and emotion of a symphony orchestra mixed with the excitement and energy of a rock concert and the technology, fun and interactivity of a video game all completely synchronized to amazing cutting edge video screen visuals, state-of-the art lighting, special FX and special on-stage interactive segments with the audience.

Richmond, Virginia, July 13, 2015 – VIDEO GAMES LIVE, a complete celebration and multimedia concert experience featuring music from the most popular video games of all time, is making its way to Richmond CenterStage’s Altria Theater on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Show time is 8pm and ticket prices begin at $20 for adults.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE is a multimedia concert experience featuring the best music and exclusive synchronized video clips from the most popular games from the beginning of video gaming to the present. Performed by top orchestras and choirs, the show combines exclusive video footage and music arrangements with synchronized lighting, solo performers, stage show production, special FX, electronic percussionists and unique interactive segments. Whether it’s the power and passion of the more recent blockbusters or the excitement of remembering the sentimental classics you played growing up, it will truly be a special night to remember for the entire family. The show has a segment dedicated to the old retro arcade classics – but there is also modern music and older, more memorable pieces that no one has ever heard played live.

A show created and produced by legendary video game composer and industry icon, Tommy Tallarico is personally involved in every show. Aside from producing, Tommy is on stage for every show as emcee and performing on guitar. The video game industry puts on the show to help encourage and support the art and culture that video games have become. VIDEO GAMES LIVE bridges a gap for entertainment by exposing new generations of music lovers and fans to the symphonic orchestral experience while also providing a completely new and unique experience for families and non-gamers.

In 2010, Video Games Live and PBS have joined forces to create an exclusive nationwide PBS special based around the highly successful Video Games Live concert series. Reaching an average of over 58 million viewers a week, PBS is the most prominent provider of programming to U.S. public television stations. “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,” said PBS Vice-President of Programming Joe Campbell.  “We are very optimistic that the program will be a big success!”

Recently described by the New York Times as “Captivating!” and “Bombastic!”, the record breaking and award winning Video Games Live has continued its mission to demonstrate to the world how artistic and culturally significant video games and their music have become.  Performing to sold-out crowds around the globe, Video Games Live has been thrilling gamers, families and mainstream audiences since its initial inception in 2002. “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,” said prolific game composer and CEO of Video Games Live, Tommy Tallarico.  “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.”

The live show features audience participation with special interactive segments where people from the audience come up and compete while the orchestra plays the music in perfect synchronization with the visuals on screen.  For 2016, VIDEO GAMES LIVE has refurbished and added to its already successful formula by including all new material!  Franchises currently represented include Mario™, Zelda®, Halo®, Final Fantasy®, Warcraft®, Sonic™, Skyrim, The Tetris Opera, Mass Effect, Metal Gear Solid®, Kingdom Hearts, Chrono Trigger™, Chrono Cross™, Castlevania®, God of War™, BioShock™, Street Fighter II, Mega Man, Civilization IV, Monkey Island, Earthworm Jim, Guitar Hero™ and a special Classic Arcade Medley featuring over 20+ games from Pong® to Donkey Kong® including such classics as Dragon’s Lair, Tetris, Frogger, Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Gauntlet, Space Invaders, Outrun and MANY MORE!

There is a Pre Show Festival & Post Show Meet-n-Greet open to all ticket holders – at NO extra cost!  Pre-Show activities include game demonstrations and Guitar Hero competition, costume contest and prize give-a-ways. The Post-Show activities include meet and greet opportunities with industry designers/creators, composers/sound designers, voice actors, performers and more special guests.

Tickets for VIDEO GAMES LIVE go on sale Monday, August 3 at 8am and can be purchased online at richmondsymphony.com or by calling 1.800.514 ETIX. The Video Games Live Ultimate Gamer V.I.P. Backstage Experience can be added on to any Adult ticket purchase. For more concert information, visit: www.videogameslive.com.

About the Richmond Symphony
Founded in 1957, the Richmond Symphony is the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia. The organization includes an orchestra of more than 70 professional musicians, the 150-voice Richmond Symphony Chorus and more than 260 students in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra programs. Each season, more than 200,000 members of the community enjoy concerts, radio broadcasts, and educational outreach programs. The Richmond Symphony is partially funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.