Review Time-The BBC – Sound Of Gaming
BBC
Back in November of 2024 Frowned Upon was very kindly invited to witness the newest form of witnessing an orchestras many layers of music. And after far too long without giving my thoughts, now is the time…now is the review time.
I would like to start this by extending a huge thanks to the organisers, and especially to Flora who was incredibly helpful in getting everything set up and has been hugely patient waiting for my article on the matter.
In A Word…Stunning
On Saturday 23 November, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra took audiences on an extraordinary journey through the sonic landscapes of some of the world’s most beloved video games in The Sound of Gaming, a revolutionary virtual concert that redefined how orchestral music can be experienced.
Broadcast live from the BBC Studios, this innovative programme was available across three distinct platforms: BBC Radio 3, online via livestream, and an experimental virtual studio space hosted in the BBC Portal. Free to attend with just a computer and internet connection, the event opened up new possibilities for access and engagement, bringing the power and emotion of live orchestral music into homes across the UK and beyond.
The concert programme featured a rich and eclectic selection of video game soundtracks, including stirring pieces from Call of Duty, Starfield, Dear Esther, World of Warcraft, Fortnite, God of War: Ragnarök, and more. Each score was performed live by the BBC Philharmonic, under the assured baton of award-winning conductor and composer Eímear Noone. Her deep connection to video game music and calm authority lent the event both gravitas and warmth, making the audience, whether listening on radio, watching online, or like me was embodied as avatars in the virtual portal , feel part of something truly special.
The virtual experience itself was impressively executed. Up to 2,000 attendees were able to explore the BBC’s virtual Philharmonic studios, interacting with behind-the-scenes content, flying around the space, and even engaging in friendly competition through in-game leaderboards. It felt not only like a concert but also a playful digital event, a celebration of the medium as much as the music.
Elle Osili-Wood, host of BBC Radio 3’s The Sound of Gaming, anchored the presentation with her signature polish and ease, offering insightful commentary and guiding listeners through the emotional and technical nuances of each piece. Soprano Andrea Delaney delivered a standout vocal performance, her soaring voice elevating the evening to unforgettable heights.
Among the musical highlights were:
- Wilbert Roget II’s “A Brotherhood of Heroes” from Call of Duty: WWII – a sweeping and poignant piece that captured the emotional gravity of war.
- Jessica Curry’s haunting “I Have Begun My Ascent” from Dear Esther, which conveyed the solitude and desolation of the Scottish coastline with aching beauty.
- Craig Stuart Garfinkle’s “Dark Alliance Suite” from Baldur’s Gate II, a richly textured and dynamic work brimming with fantasy flair.
- And of course, the joyful “Tetris Opera Finale”, a jubilant closing number that had virtual and real-world audiences alike tapping their toes.
The concert was more than just a performance, it was a statement. It demonstrated the growing legitimacy of video game music within the classical music world and showcased how technological innovation can amplify the power of live orchestral performance. Developed as a pilot in collaboration with BBC Research & Development, Improbable, and funded by Innovate UK and the Horizon Europe Research & Innovation Programme, this concert felt like a blueprint for the future.
Ultimately, The Sound of Gaming was a resounding success, an electrifying blend of artistry, interactivity, and innovation. It delivered not only a high-calibre musical experience but also a glimpse into what the future of digital concerts might hold. The BBC Philharmonic has not only played the soundtrack of our gaming lives, they’ve changed the game entirely.
★★★★★ – A visionary triumph.
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