The Symphonic Evolutions Of Pokémon

Pokémon fans, the symphony chooses you!

It's time to grab your Poké Balls and turn your hat backwards, because this is serious business. Whether you watched the TV series, waited in line trying to decide between Red or Blue (though, let's face it, Red was the only choice) or have only ever played Pokémon in 3D, this is one event that fans won't be battling over (unless they're duelling for tickets).

'Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions' is making its way to Australia, giving both lifelong fans of Pokémon and lovers of orchestra a chance to see what happens when talented minds come together to create history.

The concert is arranged by Chad Seiter and conducted by Susie Benchasil Seiter – known for her work with Disney and 'The Legend Of Zelda: Symphony Of The Goddesses'. From Red and Blue through to X and Y, get ready to experience your favourite world like never before.



Fully evolved, Chad is best known for his work on 'Lost', Star Trek' and 'Mission: Impossible III'.

You've worked with Disney and iconic pop culture series like 'Legend of Zelda', 'Star Trek', 'Lost' and more. What is your favourite project that you have worked on?
I love every project for different reasons! Every project I’ve worked on not only leads to the next, but the experiences I learned from the previous help me become a better musician. It’s always exciting to start a new project and seeing what new things I will learn.

Is there a medium that you prefer working on?
Just like my favourite project, I feel the same way about all the mediums I contribute to – video game, film, television, live shows, etc.. They all have very different workflows, and I get to work with creative people from all walks of life. In that sense I find that it keeps me on my toes and teaches me a wealth of knowledge that makes me a better composer!

What is it like when you see your music come to life, whether you're recreating something iconic or create something new for a world that is already loved by so many?
It is truly one of the best feelings in the world. I have always said that my favourite part about a recording session, or a concert is the first 30 seconds of rehearsal when I hear the first notes of my music performed live. Usually I will have spent the past few months listening to a computer simulated orchestra, so when you hear it come to life, it is mind-blowing.

What is one dream world/ franchise etc. that you would love to conduct for?
It would be awesome to write the music to a JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game), or a superhero movie. Something exciting and symphonic!

Do you consider yourself a 'nerd'? If so, do you think that directly influences the projects you work on?
Oh definitely. I have been very fortunate to work on projects that have allowed me to 'geek out' about the material. When working on TV, it was always hilarious to see the next episode and joke with my friends, 'haha! I know what happens next and you don’t!' I have found that when you truly love the material you are working on; the product is so much better! It never becomes a 'job' – you remain fresh and engaged with the project and the people.

How did you become involved with 'Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions'?
We had the chance to work with the Pokémon Company International after all our other concert experiences. It was a natural fit that 'Pokémon' would be the next great game we would tackle.

Have you played or watched 'Pokémon' before? If so, what is your favourite game/ series?
I grew up watching and playing 'Pokémon'! I would watch it every day after school with my Grandma, in fact. I didn’t get a Game Boy until later, so the TV show came first for me.

Possibly the most important question: Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur or Squirtle?
Oh, DEFINITELY Pikachu. But only because he was actually my Grandma’s favourite Pokémon too! Also, come on, he is adorable – how can you not love Pikachu?

What can fans of 'Pokémon' expect to experience at these concerts?
We really want you to come to the concert hall and experience what it was like to play 'Pokémon' for the first time with thousands of other people. It’s really an exciting communal experience at 'Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions'. Lots of people have their 3DS, or are dressed as their favourite characters. Also, many of these people have never experienced a symphony concert in their lives, so it is always fun to talk to those people and share the experience with them. It’s just a great time.

The music you help create is touching generations and introducing people from all walks of life to orchestral music. How does it feel to know that you're contributing directly to the success of orchestral music throughout new generations that might never have listened otherwise?
The orchestra is not as popular as it used to be, unfortunately. I grew up listening to great film scores and symphonies from composers such as John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner, Prokofiev, Vaughan Williams, etc.. I always found it disappointing that orchestral music wasn’t 'mainstream' because it carried so much emotional weight for me. It is great to connect two mediums together and experience what it’s like to listen to these talented symphony orchestras worldwide. Likewise, the musicians LOVE the Pokémon audience, and really work hard to make sure that the audience is loving it too. A symphony orchestra playing for an audience truly is one of the greatest artistic expressions of life – teamwork, friendship, and trust go into every performance.

Symphonic Evolutions Of Pokémon TOUR DATES

Fri 13 Nov – Melbourne Convention & Exhibitor Centre
Sun 15 Nov – Perth Convention & Exhibitor Centre
Tues 17 Nov – Adelaide Festival Centre
Fri 20 & Sat 21 Nov – Sydney Opera House