The Legend of Zelda Symphony is coming to Vancouver

Aug 27 2016, 2:21 am

Fans of Zelda, listen up: the music from the famed video game series, played by a full orchestra, is coming to Vancouver in September.

The Zelda Symphony will play all your favourite tracks from the series that was first released 30 years ago.

And while video game enthusiasts are the main target of the show, fans of classical music also fill the theatre, says Zelda Symphony conductor Kevin Zakresky.

“It’s such an exciting orchestral experience,” Zakresky tells Daily Hive. “It’s also, in terms of a classical music experience, a very multimedia event.”

While the orchestra plays music, video clips and images from the game will be projected on a screen behind the instrumentalists, which Zakresky says is a fun addition to what would otherwise simply be a “sweeping orchestral score.”

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“Because throughout the 30 years of its existence it has had various sounds that were possible on a Nintendo, many of the earlier scores for the game have been updated for a full orchestra,” he says. “Over the decades, scores for video games have become incredibly sophisticated and much beloved by people who love classical music in the same way film scores have become part of the mainstream classical music canon.”

Since video game music from 1986 wasn’t quite what it is today, some of the older tunes have been updated to allow a modern orchestra to play them, although Zakresky adds that you’ll be able to easily recognize all your favourite Zelda songs.

“I tend to go with the fan favourites, which is the suite from the Majora’s Mask video game. Usually when we get to that one, there’s a really loud cheer from the audience.”

And make no mistake, this isn’t your average symphony: cheering and applause are welcome, as is dressing up as your favourite Zelda character.

The Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

When: Friday, September 23; 8 pm

Lauren SundstromLauren Sundstrom

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