Sunday, January 8, 2017

Pokémon Gets Symphonic Treatment by National Philharmonic at Strathmore, February 4


From our friends at Strathmore...

Strathmore Presents Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions

20 years of Pokémon translated into must-see video game concert

Video game fans have a whole new bridge to classical music when Strathmore and the National Philharmonic present the one-night only performance of Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 7:30 PM, featuring all-new orchestral arrangements and visuals drawn from recent and classic Pokémon video games. Initially released in 1996 for Game Boy, the beloved 20-year-old franchise reached new heights in 2016 with the release of Pokémon Go, one of the most popular mobile apps of the year with more than 500 million downloads worldwide. This performance is presented by the National Philharmonic and Princeton Entertainment with support from Strathmore. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions gives fans and newcomers the chance to experience the evolution of the Pokémon franchise. Gamers of all ages will enjoy live renditions of the tunes that have scored their favorite Pokémon hunting expeditions and battles through every generation of the beloved Nintendo series—starting with “Red” and “Green” from the original Game Boy and building up to “X” and “Y” for the 3DS. Cartoon fans are also in for a treat, as the performance includes an orchestral arrangement of the Pokémon television show theme song.


The music of Pokémon has been pivotal to creating a unique and immersive experience for fans of the video games and cartoon series, which has helped to cement its worldwide popularity and success.

“Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is a spectacular showcase of the memorable music that has been a hallmark of the Pokémon franchise for nearly 20 years,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “The concert series serves as a thank you to fans and an invitation to share our passion for Pokémon by reliving some of our fondest memories with the brand. We look forward to seeing fans of all ages enjoying this very special Pokémon orchestral event together.”

About Strathmore:
Strathmore presents and produces exemplary visual and performing arts programs for diverse audiences; creates dynamic arts education experiences; and nurtures creative ideas and conversations that advance the future of the arts. The organization’s hallmark is the Music Center at Strathmore, with a 1,976-seat concert hall and education complex. Its core campus also includes the historic Mansion at Strathmore, which features an intimate Music Room and art galleries. Most recently, Strathmore opened AMP, a 250-seat cabaret-style venue located just up Rockville Pike from the core campus in the burgeoning Pike District of Montgomery County. Strathmore’s signature education, mission-driven programs include the Strathmore Student Concerts and the Artist in Residence program.

About the National Philharmonic:
Led by dynamic Music Director and Conductor Piotr Gajewski, the National Philharmonic is known for performances that are “powerful,” impeccable” and “thrilling” (The Washington Post). The National Philharmonic boasts a long-standing tradition of reasonably priced tickets and free admission to all young people age 7–17, assuring its place as an accessible and enriching component in Montgomery County and the greater Washington, DC, area.

As the Music Center at Strathmore’s ensemble-in-residence, the National Philharmonic showcases world-renowned guest artists in time-honored symphonic masterpieces conducted by Maestro Gajewski and monumental choral masterworks under National Philharmonic Chorale Artistic Director Stan Engebretson.

The National Philharmonic also offers exceptional and unique education programs, such as the Summer Strings and Choral Institutes. Students accepted into the Summer String Institutes study privately with National Philharmonic musicians, participate in coached chamber music, and play in an orchestra conducted by Maestro Gajewski and Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau. For more information, visit www.nationalphilharmonic.org.

About Princeton Entertainment:
Princeton Entertainment has earned an international reputation as a premier producer of concerts combining orchestras with popular recording artists and other elements. Princeton's productions have set the bar for exciting, new, and creative performances with stars as varied as James Taylor, Idina Menzel, Andrea Bocelli, Aretha Franklin, and Trey Anastasio; its orchestra partners include the New York Philharmonic, The Royal Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and its own American Festival Orchestra. Last year, after signing and completing a touring agreement for The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, two of its key creators, Jeron Moore and Chad Seiter, joined Princeton Entertainment. Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is the first production from this exciting new creative team. Current touring plans call for the production to reach five continents.