Winnipeg orchestra brings video game music to life

Dann Bjornson and James Paluk share how the Winnipeg Video Game Orchestra brings iconic game soundtracks to the stage.

From “The Legend of Zelda” to “Final Fantasy,” a new orchestra in Winnipeg is paying homage to popular video games.

It’s called the Winnipeg Video Game Orchestra, and it’s a volunteer wind orchestra dedicated to bringing the music of video games to the stage.

“It’s just a certain nostalgia that goes with those melodies that just triggers certain emotions, gives you goose bumps,” said orchestra director Dann Bjornson in an interview with CTV Morning Live on Tuesday.

The orchestra was created at the start of the year, with musicians coming together for their first practice last month.

The group, which consists of nearly 40 musicians, recently performed for the first time as part of the summer band concert at the University of Manitoba.

Bjornson said the orchestra received positive feedback so far from both those unfamiliar with video games and longtime fans.

“For the fans, it’s just been a huge, overwhelmingly positive response,” Bjornson said.

“And for the musicians as well to have the opportunity to play this music that was such an important part of their lives has been very important to them too.”

To choose the music, the orchestra looks at the available repertoire. It also hopes to work with local composers.

“I also ask the band, ‘What do you want us to play?’” Bjornson explained.

“They mostly said Zelda, but there’s some other options as well, and we’ll continue that conversation.”

For those who want to catch a show, the orchestra is currently in the process of planning a performance for the fall.

• With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé.