Power Up: The Art of Video Game Music
FRIDAY, March 14, 3-8pm
KMFA 89.5 (41 Navasota Street)
Experience the Power of Video Game Music
Join KMFA Classical 89.5 and Density512 for Power Up: The Art of Video Game Music, an immersive event exploring the artistry of gaming music and its role in the symphonic world. Taking place Friday, March 14, 2025, from 3:00–8:00 PM at KMFA Studios (41 Navasota St., Austin, TX), this one-of-a-kind experience combines live orchestral performances, panel discussions, and interactive gaming showcases featuring renowned composers, game developers, and musicians. This event is open house-style, so attendees are welcome to come and go as they please throughout the day
Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: KMFA Studios, 41 Navasota St
🎟 Admission: Free for attendees with SXSW credentials* | $10 for other guests
Event Schedule
2:30 PM – Doors Open
Explore interactive gaming exhibits and mingle with composers, musicians, and developers.
3:00 PM – Live Concert #1: Exploring Video Game Scores
Virginia Leo - Music from The Baby in Yellow
Ritika Bhattacharjee - RAWR OST
Nick Montopoli - Symphonic Suite from Incarnate
Austin Wintory - Music from ABZÛ
Balaenoptera musculus
Delphinus Delphis
4:00 PM – Panel: The Future of Video Game Music
Local composers discuss the evolving landscape of video game composition and its growing presence in the symphonic world.
Nick Montopoli
Thomas Yee
Ritika Bhattacharjee
Virginia Leo
5:00 PM – Behind the Scenes: An Open Recording Session
Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the creative process with a special open recording session of The Baby in Yellow, where attendees can witness live orchestral recording and gain insight into how music is brought to life for games.
6:00 PM – Panel: The Creative Process of Walkabout Mini Golf
Hear from Lucas Martell, Creator of Walkabout Mini Golf and CEO of Mighty Coconut, and composer Chris Reyman as they share insights into how music was crafted for their virtual reality game.
7:00 PM – Live Concert #2: Exploring Video Game Scores
A second performance by Density512 featuring newly arranged and world-premiere pieces from video games, performed live.
Yoko Shimomura - "Kingdom Hearts" from Video Games Live
Thomas Yee - Concerto Ludus for Orchestra and Gameboy
Chris Reyman - Suite from Walkabout Mini Golf
Austin Wintory - Music from ABZÛ
Balaenoptera musculus
Delphinus Delphis
8:00 PM – Event Ends
What to Expect
Live Orchestral Concert Performances by Density512 with special guests from Panoramic Voices – Enjoy two gaming music concert experiences featuring scores from:
ABZÛ score by composer Austin Wintory
The Baby in Yellow by Austin composer Virginia Leo for Team Terrible
Engaging Panel Discussions – Hear from top composers and game makers, including:
Virginia Leo (The Baby in Yellow)
Nick Montopoli (Incarnate)
Thomas Yee (Concerto Ludus for chamber orchestra and Gameboy)
Ritika Bhattacharjee (RAWR)
Chris Reyman (Walkabout Mini Golf)
Interactive Gaming Experiences – Explore hands-on exhibits by Mighty Coconut and Team Terrible.
Networking & Exploration – Connect with composers, musicians, and industry professionals while experiencing the intersection of gaming and classical music.
Why Video Game Music?
Video game music has emerged as a gateway to symphonic music, drawing diverse and younger audiences to orchestral performances. As more symphonies integrate gaming scores into their programming, gaming music continues to establish itself as a vital and respected art form.