ARTISTS AND FULL PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT: OV’s ‘Indie Symphony II’ – Level Up your Listening
Following a hugely successful, capacity-audience inaugural event in 2023, Orchestra Victoria’s Indie Symphony II returns to Hamer Hall for two nights on 3 & 4 July 2025, showcasing beloved soundtracks from bestselling and fan-favourite independent videogames
Orchestra Victoria are pleased to announce the artists who will perform on the night:
Award-winning musician and avid gamer, Montaigne, will sing parts from Baldur’s Gate 3, principal operatic soprano Justine Anderson will sing parts from Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture and Cult of the Lamb and Concordia Chamber Choir will perform parts in Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, Hades II, ABZÛ and Baldur’s Gate 3.
Making special guests appearances composers Dan Golding will play the “Honk” in a special Untitled Goose Concerto for Honk and Orchestra, and Austin Wintory will appear on stage to talk about his work composing ABZÛ and Hades II.
ALL FEATURED GAMES
|
Hosted by Meena Shamaly, ABC Classic’s spirited game music host, and featuring Orchestra Victoria’s incredibly talented musicians conducted by Vanessa Scammell, alongside guests artists and with immersive lighting and visuals, Indie Symphony II will be a vibrant celebration of the vital role of music in video games.
The inspirational soundtracks and vivid storytelling featured in this event will be recognised and enjoyed by newbies and serious gamers alike. Fans will be thrilled to experience the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3 soundtrack by Borislav Slavov performed live by a full orchestra in Australia for the very first time, a landmark event that promises to immerse the audience in the game’s epic world like never before. Larian Studio’s Baldur’s Gate 3 has broken sales records and redefined modern role-playing games (RPGs), having a ground-breaking impact on popular culture through its immersive storytelling, cinematic presentation, inclusive representation and iconic characters.
The program also features UNDERTALE, a beloved, unique narrative-driven RPG with a deeply emotional score from Toby Fox, who’s immersive and poignant music has gone on to inspire countless other works, and ABZÛ, an immersively serene underwater exploration game. Other games include roguelike RPG Darkest Dungeon; Melbourne favourite Untitled Goose Game to add a touch of mischievousness to the evening; and the world-first live performance from highly-anticipated roguelike dungeon crawler Hades II.
Indie Symphony II continues to champion the rich creativity and diverse storytelling found in indie games, with immense talent showcased on both screen and on stage at this special event. Orchestra Victoria’s CEO, Jacinta Ewers says “We are excited to be bringing Indie Symphony II to Victorian audiences. After the great success of championing indie games in 2023, it’s great to have a brand new set of pieces from well-loved games to share with everyone, and to be working with the amazing composers and games developers from around the world.”
Returning award-winning featured composer, Austin Wintory says “It is once again my immense pleasure to be partnering with the Orchestra Victoria on an absolutely spectacular lineup of videogame music from across the globe! As with the first Indie Symphony show, this is a setlist the likes of which has never been performed! Many world premieres of hit games from the last several years, including I’m grateful to say some work of my own. I hope the audience in Melbourne realize how singularly lucky they are! NO ONE is putting on shows quite like this anywhere on Earth!”
The evenings’ host Meena Shamaly, also host of ABC Classic’s weekly Game Show, says “I cannot contain my excitement about reuniting with Orchestra Victoria for Indie Symphony II! Presenting the first concert remains one of my most amazing experiences, and I’m humbled that I get to do it again with a whole new program of endless game music possibilities.I see Orchestra Victoria as a true leader in the arts, showcasing their love for and commitment to the entire spectrum of classical music. With a concert like this, they bring their vast experience with ballet, opera, and theatre into the dramatics of interactive entertainment. Their role in the Grammy nominated soundtrack to Stray Gods, made right here in this city, immortalizes Orchestra Victoria into the very fabric of video game music”