Orchestral performances of video game music may someday strike kids as the same eye-rolling pander the "Theme from Superman" eventually became for my generation, but I doubt the parents who came of age with that movie would ever fight as fiercely for its merits as we would for the early days of computer gaming. Besides, a lot has happened since then, and the gimmick of playing selections from John Williams was that it attempted to break then-persistent conventions about what orchestras could properly perform - standards that have since been jettisoned entirely as classical music scrambles for a new popular relevance, performing with pop musicians and turning heavy metal ballads into pieces for string quartet. At this point, I think it's safe to say it's really all about the music, and the culture the music brings with it, less than it is a statement about the orchestra.

From Geekdad:

The show began with a ten minute medley of songs set to old game clips on a large video board behind the orchestra and choir. Animations from Ghosts N Goblins, Outrun, Road Rash, Defender, Contra, Joust and many, many more flashed across the screen as the symphony built to a crescendo before abruptly stopping. The crowd erupted with applause and cheers.

Then the voice of Solid Snake, David Hayter, introduced Video Games Live co-creator and longtime game soundtrack composer, Tommy Tallarico, who served as the evening's host. He set the stage for several pieces during the first act, starting with (of course) Pong, before moving on to Metal Gear Solid, God of War, and both the Sonic and Zelda series. Koji Kondo was one of several composers who appeared on video to talk about their work. [Link]

You can catch Video Games Live around the country (and beyond) in the year-plus ahead, including performances in many cities off the beaten track of many major tours. Tickets run a hefty $35-$50 at most locations, but for the right parent-child teams, this may be one of those experiences you just oughtta have. - Jeremiah