‘Legend of Zelda’ concert visits Vancouver
By Adam Tatelman, Arts Editor
For many millennials and 20-somethings currently attending Douglas College, Nintendo’s gaming library has been a big part of our collective childhoods. Few can forget the rush of a competitive after-school bout of Mario Kart, the joy of finally achieving every gold medal in Star Fox 64, or the thrill of Link’s eternal clash with the evil Ganon. Yet without their catchy tunes and sumptuous soundtracks, these games wouldn’t be remembered half as fondly as they are.
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses has been freshly renewed for a third season, entitled Master Quest. The concert will be playing in Vancouver’s famous Queen Elizabeth Theatre on September 23. Surely the impending release of the series’ latest instalment, Breath of the Wild, is no accident.
It may seem a curious idea at first; what’s a game’s soundtrack without the game, after all? But the Legend of Zelda series has always had a thematic undertone relating to the—sometimes literal—magic of music. The songs themselves have endured for two and a half decades, revamped and reimagined with each passing sequel, much like the cast of the games themselves. Considering Nintendo’s skill at milking gamer nostalgia for brand loyalty, it’d be more surprising if they didn’t try to break into the world of live entertainment.
The concert will feature songs by Nintendo’s famous composer Koji Kondo, arranged by Chad Seiter, whose previous work includes Hollywood-caliber productions such as Star Trek (2009), and popular television shows like Lost and Fringe. His wife, Susie Seiter, is the conductor, having worked previously on similar musical features like Pirates of the Caribbean Live.
The orchestra includes a full assortment of brass, string, percussion, and woodwind instruments, as well as a choir company to help capture the series’ most operatic songs. This orchestra will play live in front of a large screen displaying iconic moments from the games themselves, usually associated with the songs on the program.
The program is split into two acts and an encore, beginning with a main theme medley combining elements from many variations on the series’ iconic main theme. The first act consists of fan favourite songs culled from series alumni like The Ocarina of Time, A Link Between Worlds, and The Wind Waker.
Act two and the encore feature music from more recent entries, such as Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword, finally rounding out the retrospective with an arrangement of songs from Majora’s Mask. So, no matter which game is your favourite, you’re sure to hear a few of its emblematic tunes.
If you want to relive your fantastic journey as the Hero of Hyrule through the power of song, visit www.zelda-symphony.com for tickets.
