London, 21 November 2024 – MSquared, the platform of interconnected metaverses established by British tech pioneer Improbable, in partnership with the BBC, invites audiences to a groundbreaking virtual concert featuring the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Part of BBC Radio 3’s Sound of Gaming series, the event celebrates iconic video games soundtracks reimagined for a live performance on a virtual stage.
Developed by BBC Research & Development teams and powered by MSquared’s platform as part of the MAX-R consortium, the concert will take place on 23 November 2024 at 16:00 GMT, conducted by the renowned Eímear Noone.
The concert enables up to 2,000 concurrent users to explore a digital twin of the BBC Philharmonic’s iconic MediaCityUK studio. Attendees can join as avatars, play games, compete for high scores, and immerse themselves in 40 years of influential video game soundtracks, all while enjoying a live orchestra performance from home.
Rob Whitehead, CEO of MSquared, said: “This collaboration with the BBC shows how virtual worlds can bring new life to fan culture. By combining modern technology, broadcast media and live classical music, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and showing how technology can enhance creative expression in unprecedented ways.”
Programme highlights include:
- Call of Duty: WWII – A Brotherhood of Heroes (Wilbert Roget II)
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Gareth Coker, arr. Noone and Garfinkle)
- Fortnite (Pinar T oprak)
- God of War Ragnarök – Blood Upon Snow (Bear McCreary)
- Starfield Suite (Inon Zur)
- Baldur’s Gate II: Dark Alliance Suite (Craig Stuart Garfinkle)
- Dear Esther – I Have Begun My Ascent (Jessica Curry)
The concert is free and accessible online via laptop or desktop computer. Limited spaces are available, and reservations will ensure access to the event link and priority viewing of this groundbreaking virtual performance. For more details and to secure a spot, visit the BBC Virtual Concert Registration Page.