An exhibition on video game music opens its doors in Paris

Paris Philharmonie has opened the very first major exhibition dedicated to video game music in a national institution, the Philharmonie de Paris, known for its academic music. Titled “Video Games & Music, the Music that Makes You the Hero”, the exhibition offers a historical, technical, and cultural immersion into video game soundtracks with interactive displays. The exhibition strikes a good balance between entertainment and education, catering to a wide audience without overwhelming them with too much information. It celebrates the long-overlooked genre of video game music with public recognition.

The iconic music of Final Fantasy is showcased in a film projected in the exhibition’s screening room. The montage includes the famous scene from FFVI opera in three versions: the original on Super Nintendo, the HD 2D remake in various languages in the Pixel Remaster, and a live interpretation with soprano and orchestra. The exhibition opened its doors today and will run until November 1st.

As a complement to the exhibition, a catalog deepens the thematic elements explored in the event, such as technological evolution, composition processes, the countercultural aspect of video game music, rhythm games, and the genre’s existence beyond games. Interviews with musicians and sound specialists, as well as portraits of composers, enrich the catalog, available for purchase at the exhibition’s shop and local bookstores.

In addition to the exhibition, the Philharmonie de Paris will host several video game concerts throughout June. One highlighted event is the “Symphonic Selections” concert on June 25th at 8 p.m., focusing on Final Fantasy and composer Nobuo Uematsu. The program includes symphonic pieces inspired by FFVIII and FFX, along with the premiere of “Merregnon: Heart of Ice,” a new symphonic tale composed by Nobuo Uematsu. This French debut will be accompanied by an album recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, set for release in June.