One in six young people say they discovered orchestral music through gaming
· Video game music emerges as a powerful new audience gateway as RPO presents ‘Worlds of Fantasy: Video Games in Concert’
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is set to celebrate the artistry of video game music with ‘Worlds of Fantasy: Video Games in Concert’ conducted by acclaimed composer and producer Eímear Noone at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 4th June 2025.
As the RPO continues to diversify its programming – to extend the appeal of orchestral music to the broadest possible audience – new research reveals that video game music offers a particularly effective pathway with which to engage younger audiences. The RPO’s national survey of 2,000 people provides valuable insights into how young people are discovering orchestral music through contemporary media.
The RPO’s data revealed that 88% of under 25s are interested in video games – and one in six of these (15%) say they discovered the world of orchestral music through gaming.
Beyond orchestral discovery, the RPO research revealed further compelling insights into the growing relationship between gaming and orchestral music:
· 22% of under 25s said they now play games where the orchestral soundtrack enhances their gaming experience – and 21% appreciate how video games have introduced new audiences to orchestral music.
· In addition, 18% of gamers said they would like to see some of their favourite gaming music performed live on stage – and, specifically, that they would be more likely to attend an orchestral concert if it featured video game music.
· 19% of survey respondents said they have noticed similarities between gaming soundtracks and classical compositions, and this has encouraged them to further explore the world of orchestral music.
Louise Williams, Head of Sales and Marketing at the RPO comments: “This concert complements our broader programming by celebrating the artistry of game compositions alongside our traditional repertoire. Our survey suggests that video game soundtracks create distinctive entry points for younger audiences, many of whom are likely to experience orchestral music for the first time through gaming.”
“We’re witnessing the continued evolution of a relatively new genre of repertoire,” adds Tom Philpott, Director of Artistic Planning at the RPO. “Just as film scores gained artistic legitimacy decades ago, gaming soundtracks are now being recognised as culturally significant compositions worthy of the concert hall. This evolution ensures orchestral music remains vital and relevant to new generations – and can flex to enrich the artistic preferences of new generations.”
The RPO’ ‘Worlds of Fantasy’ video games concert will showcase favourite themes from The Last of Us, Civilisation, Fortnite, Baldur’s Gate, Halo, and other gaming masterpieces, performed by the full Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with vocalist Aisling McGlynn and the Crouch End Festival Chorus.
This significant event builds on the RPO’s pioneering work with film and gaming music, which dates back to its partnership with PlayStation and ClassicFM for the World Premiere of PlayStation in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall back in 2018, followed by the first ever video game concert as part of the BBC Proms. The RPO’s concert this June demonstrates the Orchestra’s commitment to embracing modern compositional talent, while also respecting orchestral traditions and the enduring excellence of core repertoire.
For more information on ‘Worlds of Fantasy: Video Games in Concert’ visit: https://www.rpo.co.uk/whats-on/eventdetail/2541/121/worlds-of-fantasy-video-games-in-concert