BBC Radio 3 and BBC Philharmonic Orchestra bring video game music to life with FREE Virtual Concert: The Sound of Gaming 

BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra are bringing the magic of video game music from the concert hall straight into the world of gaming with The Sound of Gaming – a virtual, live concert for fans across the UK, performed by the BBC Philharmonic on Saturday 23 November at 4pm GMT.

This innovative concert, developed exclusively for BBC Radio 3’s Sound of Gaming as part of a pilot project in partnership with BBC Research & Development working in the MAX–R project with Improbable, will allow audience members to attend virtually as avatars directly from their browsers. The experience employs cutting-edge technology to let users explore, interact, and enjoy a live orchestral performance of music from the nation’s best-loved game soundtracks virtually from their own home.

Conducted by award-winning video game music conductor and composer Eímear Noone and filmed at the BBC Philharmonic Studio in Media City, Salford, The Sound of Gaming will feature the BBC Philharmonic performing a concert within the world of the game with live performances of music from popular video games, including Fortnite, Baldur’s Gate, World of Warcraft, and God of War Ragnarök.

The concert created in the virtual world will allow fans to join as avatars, embarking on an interactive adventure through a dynamic immersive environment. Audience members will also have the opportunity to interact and connect with other avatars and gaming music fans across the UK, explore the virtual BBC Philharmonic’s virtual studios, access exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Fans will be able to learn more about the world of the orchestra by interacting with the instruments on display and enjoy having their avatar conduct, clap, and even fly along to the music while they perform.

The concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3’s Sound of Gaming, hosted by Elle Osili-Wood.

The virtual concert can be accessed here.

Tickets for the live in person performance in Salford are available for £6.50 here

Listeners can tune into the special live broadcast via BBC Radio 3 or the BBC Sounds app. The concert will also be available for 30 days on BBC Sounds.

Director of the BBC Philharmonic, Adam Szabo says: "There's nothing like the thrill of hearing the BBC Philharmonic, especially as they dive into new territory with the energy and precision that has made them one of the most versatile orchestras in the country. The Sound of Gaming concert project continues our commitment to making world-class classical music accessible to the widest possible audience. It reflects our dedication to creativity and innovation, bringing audiences closer to the music they love in new ways and connecting with new audiences in ways that are both meaningful and inspiring.”