I got to hear the songs from my favorite game come to life! Thank you Chicago Philharmonic and ConcernedApe! — Caitlin, Stardew Valley Fan
CHICAGO PREMIERE OF STARDEW VALLEY: FESTIVAL OF SEASONS AT THE VIC THEATRE
On Saturday, March 9, 2024 Chicago Philharmonic partnered with the official Stardew Valley Concert Tour to present two sold-out concerts at The Vic Theatre.
1400 concert-goers crowded the theater in Lakeview, Chicago for a 4 p.m. and an 8 p.m. concert, reveling in the cozy chamber orchestra earworms by composer Eric Barone(ConcernedApe) from the Stardew Valley video game.
STARDEW VALLEY: BEHIND THE SCORE
Composed by Eric Barone, the score of Stardew Valley transports the listener into a state of tranquility through a composition full of soothing harmonies. The primary inspiration for the score was Barone’s rural upbringing combined with his love for retro gaming. Barone refers to his composition style as “music-guided game development,” allowing the landscape of the game to be influenced by the emotions evoked by the score. Each track represents the changing of seasons, from the warmth of the spring to the harshness of the winter. Barone provides the listener with an auditory experience that perfectly captures the ever-changing rural landscape.
WHY VIDEO GAME MUSIC?
Our mission: to excite, engage, and transform diverse audiences with the beauty and power of great music.
Here at Chicago Philharmonic, we’re reimagining what a symphonic concert can look and sound like. That includes genre mashups, movies in concert, collaborations with artists from around the world, and even video game music!
This isn’t our first foray into the world of video game concerts. In October 2023, Chicago Philharmonic x Sonic Symphony sold out the Auditorium Theatre, and The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses was a huge success in 2017.
Fans show off their Sonic-themed outfits, including homemade hats and character toys. October 2023 at the Auditorium Theatre.
Stardew Valley has been a source of comfort and relaxation for 20 million gamers since it launched in 2016, jumpstarting a “cozy” game trend. The impact of the game is clear even to those who don’t play it, as the concert sold out within hours of going on sale. A second show was added by popular demand shortly after.
“Most people interact with symphonic music through media like television, movies, and video games,” says Terell Johnson, Executive Director. “It is such a privilege to meet our audiences where they’re at, and to see the joy on their faces as they hear this music live for the first time. It’s also a thrill to see our musicians in the spotlight as a chamber orchestra. Every musician had a moment to show their tremendous skill and talent.”
MUSICIANS OF STARDEW VALLEY: FESTIVAL OF THE SEASONS
Conductor – Jeffrey Smith
Violin 1 – Isabella Lippi
Violin 2 – Azusa Tashiro
Viola – Bonnie Yeager
Cello – Matthew Agnew
Double Bass – Michael Hovnanian
Flute – Karin Ursin
Clarinet – Elizandro Garcia-Montoya
French Horn – Michael Oliphant
Guitar/Banjo – Kacey Ellis
Piano/Synthesizer – Kuang-Hao Huang
Percussion – Michael Folker, Tom Hipskind
UP NEXT WITH CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC
Chicago Philharmonic has dozens of thrilling upcoming concerts with more to be announced soon (keep an eye out for our work at Ravinia Festival, to be announced on March 14!)
The orchestra continues its work with Auditorium Theatre with the inaugural Auditorium Philms series with Batman 1989 on April 13, 2024 and Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert on June 22, 2024.
Black Panther in Concert — Jun 22, 2024
Then in October 2024, Sleeping At Last joins the orchestra and Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Scott Speck for two sold-out performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. The concert features never-before-heard arrangements of Sleeping At Last’s gorgeous songs for the singer and full orchestra.
And in March 2025, inaugural Artist in Residence Njioma Grevious joins the orchestra for a week-long intensive and concerto concert. More details to be announced soon!
