Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra plays music from popular video games in sellout concert

Mario meets Mozart in a concert combination which has proven so popular that this TSO show has sold out. Why it’s the hottest ticket in town >>

Grace Thorpe violin, Roger Jackson French horn, Nicholas Buc conductor, Aaron Molnar French horn. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra will perform Gaming Music: Escape to New Worlds. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The young and young-at-heart might be able to recognise the familiar Mario soundtrack, but what about when its played by a full symphony orchestra?

Music from popular video games is the latest programmed performance for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO), building off of the success of contemporary film performances.

TSO artist liaison Alethea Coombe said the Friday Gaming Music performance targeted a different demographic than traditional classical music audiences.

“Video game music has its origins in classical music, but it definitely appeals to a different group of people than those who would prefer Tchaikovsky or Mozart,” she said.

“Yet, video game soundtracks translate really well to a full orchestra, it really brings all the colours and textures of the soundtrack and builds that narrative, faraway world.”

The fun, family-friendly concert showcases classic video game soundtracks and modern favourites, including titles like Zelda, Tetris, Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario and Final Fantasy.

Music from Super Mario Brothers gets a run in the sellout TSO concert. Picture: Hitoshi Yamada/Zuma Press

Conductor Nicholas Buc is using his experience as both a conductor, composer and arranger in contemporary music and film scoring to transport people back to their days playing on a console.

“I do film scores so video games [soundtracks] is just a sideways steps for me,” he said.

“It is something new for our orchestra though, we can spend so much time rehearsing and performing technically difficult pieces from the classical greats, but a new piece of music with a different flow and arrangement can be just as tricky.

“It’s refreshing for us as performers and I’m sure for audiences in hearing something so nostalgic.”

The Gaming Music concert begins on Friday, with all tickets currently sold out.

To go on the waitlist, head to the TSO website.