Video Games Live’ Airing On PBS

Posted on July 15th, 2010 By Max Ingram Under: Games Tags: pbs

For those in the know, Tommy Tallarico is a name that should set off a whole lot of bells and whistles. He’s not only one of the best known music composers in the games industry, he’s worked on over 250 titles, he co-hosted on the G4 programs The Electric Playground and Judgement Day, and he has over 25 awards to his name for his extensive work.

But Tallarico’s main focus these days is a massive, orchestral undertaking called Video Games Live that he started up with industry veteran Jack Wall. It’s a concert series that brings memorable and exceptional video game music to a whole new level by being performed by a live orchestra. Toss in some video footage, a choir, synchronized lighting and other special effects, along with interactive elements involving the audience, and you’ve got something truly special on your hands.

Normally you’d only be able to catch one of their shows live and in person, but they decided to tape their performance at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans and air it on PBS. With the talented Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra taking stage, and performances including music from such memorable franchises as Mario, Zelda, Halo, Final Fantasy and many others, the event is sure to be a captivating one for many gaming fans.

They also plan to simultaneously release a Video Games Live CD with 16 musical performances, and a Video Games Live DVD/Blu-Ray with bonus materials. These bonus materials will include additional and extended performances, composer and game developer interviews, exclusive game trailers, documentary segments, and behind-the-scenes footage.

These discs will be available in North America exclusively through PBS until November 1st, 2010.

The special concert is due to be aired between July and August of this year on PBS. So check your local listings and keep your eyes peeled to be sure you catch it.

”I’m hoping that this project will have a positive impact on the perception of video games by the non-gaming world,” said Tallarico, “We created VIDEO GAMES LIVE over eight years ago to prove to the world how culturally significant and artistic video games have become. The goal was to create a show for everyone whether they play games or not. The fact that all of the game publishers have come on board with this project to help our mission says a lot about the future of gaming and how much they believe in VIDEO GAMES LIVE.”