Minnesota's first "Gamer Orchestra" brings video game music to the stage
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Over 75 musicians will pack a Minneapolis high school stage Thursday night for a grand orchestral performance — of beloved video game music.
The big picture: Thursday marks the third concert by the Twin Cities Gamer Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra that performs arrangements of music originating from video games.
- "Dreams and Determination" will feature the music of composer and indie game developer Toby Fox, who created and scored cult favorite video games Undertale and Deltarune.
Catch up quick: The orchestra was founded last year by members of local video game music organization Gamer's Rhapsody and is composed of all ages, skill levels and instruments, from a 26-piece string section to multiple euphonium players.
- Previous performances have featured music from Final Fantasy, Runescape and even Tetris, but members don't necessarily have to be gamers — principal conductor Muhamad Yusri's background is in military bands, he told Axios.
What to expect: Eleven arrangements, from fast and energetic fight music like "Attack of the Killer Queen" to goofier tunes such as "Temmie Village." The show closes with an impressive rendition of Undertale classic "Megalovania."
- Attendance is free (with donations encouraged) and open to all ages, though seats are limited and first-come, first-served. It will also be livestreamed via Twitch.
What they're saying: "People may not know the game, but the music is so catchy and pleasant that it stands on its own," said flutist Luke Pickman. "Even if you don't play video games, you'll leave wanting to check them out."
- Get a sneak peek of the performance via our Instagram.
If you go: Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30pm at Southwest High School in Minneapolis.
- Pro tip: Previous performances were packed, so get there early for a good seat.