Forget the beeps and boops of the 16-bit video game music from your childhood. When Humber vocal students join Video Games Live on-stage for the Toronto portion of their world tour, expect a sound that is, quite simply, massive.
“The show is going to be no less than epic, to put it in gamer terms,” says Cameron, a first-year student in the music program. “You often hear this music played on midi instruments or mobile devices and you never really get to experience the quality of the composition. This is an opportunity to hear these songs in full fidelity.”
Video Games Live pairs orchestras and choirs to perform popular video game music along with video footage, synchronized lighting, electronic percussionists and live action.
According to vocal department head Lisa Martinelli, Humber’s reputation in the Canadian music industry was instrumental in landing the gig.
“The production company had heard our vocal jazz ensemble and thought it was fantastic,” explains Martinelli. “When our students graduate they’ll be taking on a variety of different music styles. This is the perfect opportunity for them.”
The track list for the event includes classic tunes from games like Tetris and Earthworm Jim, as well as selections from modern blockbuster titles like World of Warcraft, Mass Effect and Skyrim.
The value of an opportunity to play at one of the top venues in Toronto is not lost on first-year student Cameron.
“We’re playing at Massey Hall with an orchestra and I’m only halfway through my first semester,” he says. “I know there’s a lot more to come from Humber.”
You can purchase tickets for the October 25th event from Massey Hall.
