IAHGames

The response that echoed through the University Cultural Centre Hall on opening night was testament that Fantasy Comes Alive! had won a place in the hearts of the many video game and anime fans in attendance...

With a tireless tirade of applause and calls of “Bravo!”, “Encore!” and even standing ovations, the audience could not bear to let the orchestra leave. So play on they did, to the delight of us concert-goers. Not one, not two, but THREE encores they obliged us – even if it meant taking the concert past 10pm.

  
Finally inside the hall! Everyone’s excitedly waiting with bated breath!

One cannot compare this inaugural effort by concert producers S*tarbaby to international mainstays like Video Games Live and the Eminence Symphony Orchestra. With their small 14-player chamber orchestra, delivering the richness that only a large symphony orchestra is capable of would be impossible. Instead, in the punchy opening piece, Break the Sword of Justice from Tsubasa Chronicle, the raw unbridled energy of the musicians came through with the sweet violins and contemporary drums.

I felt this approach really helped to bring the music – and the musicians – closer to the audience. From my seat, I was enraptured with the passion each musician put into the performance, in particular cellist Natasha Liu who smiled with such enjoyment as she played, concert master Edward Tan who expressed his love with every bowing movement, music arranger Nicole Brady whose fingers danced along the ivories and conductor Adrian Tan who waved his arms with much gusto.

Once more with feeling! – Conductor Adrian Tan in action during the pre-concert run-through

There were also intimate moments where the music was stripped down to that of a few musicians who, sans conductor, soloed or played in harmony with little or no accompaniment. Some of such pieces were Kyoudai from Full Metal Alchemist and the music from Echochrome which featured a quartet of strings (two violins, viola and cello). Composer Hideki Sakamoto also made a guest appearance and came onstage to introduce Prime #7 and #101.

One outstanding piece was the Megaman medley. As Adrian Tan had mentioned in his interview last week, this was indeed a difficult piece to pull off, with a total overhaul needed to translate the original 8-bit arrangement into a fusion of rock and orchestra that would challenge each musician’s ability with the furious speed of the notes. The result? Not only did the musicians pull it off, the arrangement was a unique blend of sounds that showcased the sound and energy of each instrument while transitioning from piece to piece. Bravo!

The Granado Espada medley was ‘meh’. Wish they had done more from our game titles

Other gems that stood out were Sora No Woto’s music, which flowed steadily with a nice touch of rock, The Merry Go Round of Life from Howl’s Moving Castle, Cruel Angel Thesis from Neon Genesis Evangelion, the music from Tetris, with an accompanying hilarious on-screen gameplay video that left the audience in stitches. A Song of Storm and Fire from Tsubasa Chronicle was a force in its own that brought the energy of the concert to its peak, and the trio performance of the piano, violin and cello in Never Meant to Belong from Bleach also demonstrated the talent of this young orchestra.

Of course with all due honesty, nothing is perfect. The onscreen multimedia could have been done better with accompanying videos for all the pieces and no video repeats, not to mention a few hiccups in the first half. Other technical glitches included the sound system which produced a buzzing sound at times. The syncing of the orchestra and onscreen video, as well as the emceeing bloopers could definitely be improved. There could also have been more synergy between the orchestra and the audience, as demonstrated during the higher energy encores.

The autograph session that lasted past 11pm – everyone’s still chuffed and excited – this goes to show us gamers are natural night owls!

Once the concert ended, the fan girl in me made a beeline for the autograph queue for my chance to meet Hitoshi Sakimoto himself. While patiently waiting in line, I could not help overhearing the excited recounting of the concert from fellow fans. When my turn came, Mr Sakimoto not only signed my programme booklet, he wanted to share a message with all of you!

Hitoshi Sakimoto: “to IAHGames fans! Kite kudasatte arigato!” – trans.: Thank you for coming!

On the whole, Fantasy Comes Alive! was a treat for fans and I would definitely be looking out for their next instalment. The musicians hold much promise and potential; and with the popularization of video game and anime music, the only way they can go is up. Check out the official event site for more updates!

Additional photography by Jason Koh 

Did you enjoy the concert? Do you have a different take on the music? We’d love to hear what you have to say! Leave us some comments below or drop us an email or two!