Cincinnati Pops to Present New Multimedia Video Game Concert Experience, Heroes: A Video Game Symphony, September 16 & 17, 2023
Sensational New Multimedia Concert to Feature Music from Castlevania, The Elder Scrolls, God of War, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, Journey, Portal 2, Bioshock and More Performed Live by the Cincinnati Pops and Members of the May Festival Chorus Accompanied By High-Definition Synced-Clips of Video Games
CINCINNATI, OH (July 17, 2023)—The Cincinnati Pops will present a brand-new video game concert experience, Heroes: A Video Game Symphony, on September 16 and 17, 2023 at Cincinnati Music Hall. The show, produced by Jason Michael Paul Entertainment (JMP Entertainment), will feature the Cincinnati Pops and members of the May Festival Chorus conducted by Kevin Zakresky in a sensational new multimedia concert that includes music from Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid, Starfield, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, God of War, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, Journey, Portal 2, Bioshock, and more, accompanied by high-definition synced clips of the video games projected onto a large screen above the stage.
Heroes: A Video Game Symphony takes audiences on a hero's journey, as set forth by Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, a narrative framework that can be seen in many of the games, film, and books throughout history. Each stage in the monomyth is a chapter in the story, and each game/musical selection by famed video game composers Nobuo Uematsu, Garry Schyman, Mike Morasky, Yasunori Mitsuda, Michiru Yamane, Kow Otani, Jessica Curry, Inon Zur and Austin Wintory, was chosen primarily for its suitability for the chapter that it is featured in. In this way, Heroes: A Video Game Symphony is the story of a hero, told through the amazing worlds of other heroes, in a new and unforgettable experience. The program also includes narration by BAFTA award winner Nigel Carrington from The Chinese Rooms’ Dear Esther.
“The narrative of the hero is so fundamental to our human experience, and these incredible video games symphonic pieces will bring that rich tapestry to life,” said Jason Michael Paul.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at cincinnatipops.org, by phone at 513-381-3300, or in-person by visiting the Box Office at 1241 Elm Street. The box office is open during the summer Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
JASON MICHAEL PAUL ENTERTAINMENT
Jason Michael Paul Entertainment is an independent full-service entertainment and concert promotion agency dedicated to creating branded experiences for artists and corporations for touring, temporary, and permanent experiences worldwide. A pioneer and leader in the live symphonic concert industry, JMP Entertainment has worked with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and has been responsible for producing world renowned concerts including events for The Three Tenors, Luciano Pavarotti, Dear Friends ~ Music from FINAL FANTASY, More Friends ~ Music from FINAL FANTASY, PLAY! A Video Game Symphony, The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Concerts, The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, and National Geographic: Symphony for Our World concert tours. With a global following developed over the past two decades, JMP Entertainment presents the finest in performing arts and family entertainment.
KEVIN ZAKRESKY
Kevin Zakresky is music director and principal conductor for Heroes: A Video Game Symphony. He is also the founder-director of the Sea to Sky Symphony and the conductor of the Pacifica Singers in Vancouver. Kevin also serves as music director and principal conductor of The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, a production that has seen him directing orchestras in San Francisco, Philadelphia, Montreal, Quebec City, Charlottesville, Columbus, Miami and London (with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in Wembley Arena).
Zakresky is the past Music Director of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra and has recently conducted the St Louis Symphony, Sudbury Symphony, West Coast Symphony, Vancouver Chamber Choir and two concerts with Sea to Sky. He completed his Doctorate at Yale University in 2012.
Zakresky made his CBC broadcast debut conducting Monteverdi with the Vancouver Chamber Choir and the Vancouver Chamber Orchestra in 2014. During his time with the Prince George Symphony, he worked with many soloists, including Jane Coop, Dale Barltrop, Nadina Mackie Jackson and Lucas Wong. He has been a faculty member of the Vancouver International Song Institute, directed choirs at Douglas College and has taught conducting at the School for Contemporary Arts, Simon Fraser University. He currently teaches at the Vancouver Symphony School of Music.