Vocal Accord Performs Zelda at Madison Square Garden

Vocal Accord

Montclair State University Vocal Accord performed The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Second Quest at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in November. The performance showcased music from four games in the Legend of Zelda video game series and featured a full symphony orchestra in addition to Vocal Accord.

Director of Choral Activities Heather J. Buchanan conducted Vocal Accord for the symphony’s four movements, while a digital media presentation played above the stage, adding a visual element to the music. “The multimedia dimension is critical in this performance because the audience is primarily made up of gamers who know the music because of the action in the games they’ve played,” she says. “The video footage is principally excerpts from various Zelda games --- and the music is coordinated so it’s just like you’re playing the game. In addition, there were also live shots of the orchestra and choir performing.”

Buchanan describes the Zelda performance as “a groundbreaking multimedia event that gives our students a valuable opportunity to perform in a dynamic and fast-paced professional environment, while also bringing a live music experience to many people who would not ordinarily find themselves in a symphonic concert… It’s an exciting concert.”