Video Games Live is an expression of 'modern day classical music'

The music of long-running concert series Video Games Live is "modern day classical music" and is just as relevant as scores by any classical composer, creator Tommy Tallarico told the San Francisco Classical Voice.

Video Games Live is a concert series formed in 2002 that centers on performing game music via a live orchestra with video footage, interactive segments and more. Tallarico, whose work includes the Earthworm Jim, Prince of Persia and Pac-Man franchises, runs the concert series with Jack Wall of Splinter Cell, Mass Effect and Call of Duty fame. Speaking with the publication about the upcoming concert in San Francisco, Calif., Tallarico said that people shouldn't "judge [the music] by where it came from," but rather "what it is and what it's becoming."

"It's modern day classical music," Tallarico said. "The only thing that's different is that all of the composers are still alive. The truth is, we're just as relevant as Beethoven or Mozart and we're just as good."

According to Tallarico, the series combines theater, music and interactivity to create a classical experience with the power of a rock concert. Because of this, VGL has opened classical music to a new, more diverse audience.

"No more just old, white, rich people," Tallarico said. "I've made it fun. I'm in the first generation to grow up on video games. We've known interactivity all our lives; we're also the first generation to be so tuned to tech and the cutting edge."

Video Games Live will take place July 25 and July 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Davies Symphony Hall. Check out Tallarico's full interview over at the San Francisco Classical Voice.