VIDEO GAMES LIVE PERFORMING AT YALE UNIVERSITY WITH SPECIAL GAME INDUSTRY GUESTS, PANELS, PERFORMANCES AND PRE-SHOW FESTIVAL

Esteemed Ivy League University to Host Historic First Collegiate Concert and Open-Public Educational Industry Panel

Special Performances to Include Video Game Pianist Martin Leung Performing an Exclusive Castlevania Arrangement on 104 Year Old Yale Pipe Organ

New Haven, Conn. — Following sold-out shows around the world, Video Games Live will perform in Yale University’s Woolsey Hall, corner of College and Grove streets, on March 31st at 8 p.m.  Video Games Live is a multi-media event celebrating the music of video games.  Music will be performed by the Yale Symphony Orchestra and a full choir, synchronized with video footage, lighting, solo performers, electronic percussion, live action and interactive segments that create an explosive entertainment experience.   This groundbreaking historic performance will be the first time symphonic video game music has ever been presented with a university. 

Special events surrounding the show include a video game industry educational panel to take place on the Yale Campus the day before the concert – Friday, March 30th.  This special panel event is open-to-the-public and there is no charge.  The panel entitled “Video Games – Past, Present & Future” will consist of industry veterans Seamus Blackley (XBOX creator, game designer, CAA), Lorne Lanning (OddWorld Inhabitants), Hal Halprin (IEMA, ECA) as well as Video Games Live creators and industry composers Tommy Tallarico (Earthworm Jim, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Metroid Prime) and Jack Wall (Myst III, Myst IV, Jade Empire, Mass Effect).  The event will take place in Sudler Hall on the Yale University Campus from 3:00PM to 5:00PM.

On Saturday, March 31st there will be a special pre-show festival taking place in the 7,000 sq ft. Commons Dining Hall on the Yale Campus.  The pre-show festival will consist of the ever popular Costume Contest as well as playable games, interactive music demos by Cakewalk, Intel computers, Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA) info booth and a variety of game competitions including Guitar Hero II and Halo 2 being hosted by Connecticon.  The pre-show festival will take place between 6:00PM – 8:00PM.

In keeping with the tradition of making each and every show unique, Video Games Live has put together a special Castlevania arrangement which will be performed by the Video Game Pianist - Martin Leung on a 104 year old 3-story Newberry pipe organ.   The organ has been in Woolsey Hall since 1903 with the hall itself being built in 1901 (image of pipe organ). 

Other special performers include original Civilization IV solo vocalist Ron Ragin of the Talisman African Choir who will be reprising his amazing vocals for the exclusive Civilization IV segment.  Aside from the extraordinary line-up of game industry luminaries and performers, also on hand for the post-show meet and greet will be video game composer Tom Salta whose soundtracks for games such as Red Steel, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 1 & 2 and Need for Speed Underground have gained him critical acclaim.

“It’s a dream come true to be performing with the Yale Symphony,” said leading game composer and Video Games Live co-creator Tommy Tallarico. “What an amazing privilege and honor for the video game industry to be a part of such a historical and prestigious establishment.”

Brian Robinson, Yale Symphony managing director says, “The excitement level among the student musicians has been overwhelming. There is a real connection to this music that is helping to introduce a whole new generation of people to a symphonic performance.”  He added, “When you walk in, you will not recognize Woolsey Hall. You'll see lighting trusses, giant screens, an extended stage, etc.  As far as special effects, it will be something Woolsey has not had in a long time."

Ticket prices range from $15 to $35. Tickets are available online at:  Shubert Theater - CAPA Ticketing

About Video Games Live™
Created by two industry-leading video game composers, Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, Video Games Live™ (produced under their company Mystical Stone Entertainment, LLC) is the front runner in the field of live game music performance. Video Games Live™ is an exciting concert event featuring music from the biggest video games of all time. The debut performance was launched on July 6, 2005 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic. With more than 11,000 people in attendance, it was the largest video game concert in the world.

About Yale Symphony Orchestra
In its 41-year history, the Yale Symphony Orchestra has established a well-respected place in the musical world as one of the premiere undergraduate orchestras in the United States, committed to challenging and exciting programs. As ambassadors of friendship and culture, the Yale Symphony Orchestra has received enthusiastic accolades on its national and international tours.