Over 30 years since its inception, 'Final Fantasy' ('FF') has cemented itself as a legendary video game franchise.
The New World Players (USA) will honour this by returning to Australia with a freshly updated setlist of music from the game's critically-acclaimed soundtracks.
The show includes music by Nobuo Uematsu, Hitoshi Sakimoto, Masashi Hamauzu and more. Expect to hear favourite compositions and even a few surprises.
Here, Musical Director and Conductor Eric Roth tells us more.
What do you love so much about the music of 'Final Fantasy'?
There's a lot to love about the music of 'FF' in part because there is a tonne of music in every game. I'll highlight two particular aspects that are consistent throughout the 30 plus years of music: One, there is great variety of really compelling styles, moods and expression, and two, the composers have delivered the goods in writing great, great melodies that have captivated generations.
As the Music Director/Conductor of The New World Players, why do you think the music is so effective in a live setting?
In my conversations with people who attend 'A New World' concerts, it has become clear that a big part of the appeal is the actual transformation of the digital music experience to the acoustic instrumental world. And the music is so substantial that there is a lot of great stuff to work with in creating the arrangements. Generally speaking, people come to concerts for lots of different reasons. But many people attend 'A New World' concerts for shared reasons: They already have a deep relationship with the music and they want to experience the vibrating air molecules in a communal setting. It's a great energy everywhere!
How did your love for music and then in turn music career begin?
I do not remember a time when I didn't get great joy out of music. My father was and is a professional musician. When I was little, he was a violinist. Having a very personal relationship with music is the only way I know. As a young adult, I was a professional drummer/percussionist, but went back to school to become a more complete composer. About 11 years ago I left academia (teaching, etc.) to pursue more showbusiness goals and endeavours with my father. Over time, the writing and conducting have become my main musical output.
Have you played much or any of 'Final Fantasy'?
Yes, but I did not start as a gamer. I began my relationship with the music before I played the games. I am a bit envious of those whose relationship with the music began from the fully-integrated gaming experience.
One of my favourite things about the current state of game music is the great variety of approaches and resulting music and experiences that are coming from a bunch of different parts of the world (I say without name-dropping, deliberately). I feel deeply that great music comes from diverse origins and the development of so much terrific game music is a testament to that fact. Respectfully, asking about how music affects the gaming experience is no different than asking how music affects one's experience of a film or of a ballet; these are integrated art forms that can exist and evolve in a nonfinite number of ways!
Is there anything specific about the Brisbane show that you're looking forward to?
There is. The last time we were in Brisbane, there was historic flooding in the area and there were people who could not attend for logistical reasons. I am looking forward to sharing the music with those people in particular.
What is your favourite track from the setlist to play and why?
Without giving away any surprises, because we don't perform the same pieces at every concert, I never ever tire of performing 'To Zanarkand'. It's so satisfying musically and really embodies the shared love of 'FF' music throughout the community.
Do you have any personal goals when it comes to these shows?
My concentration is on delivering the best performance we can produce that day. But, on a personal level, I always enjoy meeting 'FF' music lovers, everywhere I go. I am looking forward to making new friends and reconnecting with ones I've met on previous visits.
How would you like audiences to feel once they've left 'A New World'?
I want them to feel like they shared a special experience with a lovely community. I want them to feel like they experienced the music they know and love in a different and satisfying way: A way they'd like to experience again!
