Review: VIDEO GAMES LIVE AND QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: THE WHIRLPOOL OF ENTHUSIASM at Qatar Exhibition And Convention Center

Eímear Noone, the award winning Irish Conductor and Composer at Blizzard entertainment over a decade whom is best known for World of Warcraft, and Laura Intravia a.k.a. Flute Link from the streets of New York City have created a magical night at Qatar Exhibition and Convention Center by teaming up with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, was founded in 2007 by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned and currently under the direction of Kurt Meisner.

Video Games Live was originally found by the Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall at 2002 and had over 420 performances all over the globe. The legacy of the show is simple and plain; "video game music is not just "bleeps and bloops." The team makes sure that the world acknowledges that and even mocks with the audience at the begining of the show by just playing "bleeps and bloops." Even that part of the performance was applauded.

The show started with a contest of cosplayers - which the slender man won, congrats - and by the music from oldest games of the history, from Tetris to Pac Man and short humor filled donut like videos. From the start, one finds him/herself between the halls of nostalgia. Sonic the Hedgehog and his unlikely friendships, Mario Brothers and their journey of saving Princess Peach have been followed by the music of story of vindictive and cunning Kratos and not-so-peaceful hero Geralt of Rivia and finally the most well-known games ever; Legend of Zelda, Assasins Creed and -of course- World of Warcraft. The music shaped in the hands of masters, made the audience and long-time gamers realize; games are not as captivating as they would be without the music infused into each layer of the product.

Noone conquered the stage by her presence, she was dressed for the job either. Her unique, professional and satisfying way of conducting at the one of the most fascinating cities in the World with one of the World's best orchestras, makes the audience flow with her never ending energy. After her ages of conducting and composing for game music industry, Noone seems to achieve every artists' goal; having pleasure out of the work.

On the other hand, Intravia cannot be neglected. As she steps on the stage and opens her mouth, there is no way of not being fascinated by her talent. Every time she leaves the stage, the audience sighs with a heartbreak. Yet, she comes back to show with another talent of her. Playing EWI - an instrument from 1980s-, flute and piano, makes the audience fall in love more each time, if more and more is possible. Her presentation of flood of emotions from the bottom of her heart, made the music arise.

Even though there were several stars of the night, Orchestra was the biggest accomplishment. Every and each one of the members were giving their heart, soul, sweat and tear to their art. Each note from the scores were dancing all around the hall. Notwithstanding, the ensemble, who accompanied most of the songs in various languages - from Russian to Elvish- , filled every corner of the center. Just when one is about to lose his/her senses by the thrill, ensemble takes over the ground and raises the stake a bit more by their unmatchable harmony.

The lightning design, the costumes, the videos were the completing accessories of the show. They left the audience breathless on both out of joy and excitement. Intravia came up to stage as Mario-Girl, Link and stunning Opera Singer for several times. Alongside, the lightning enlightened the crowd each time Orchestra was marching on the audience and releasing them from their adulthood-chains. The crowd was extremely moved by the show that has been put together by the most brilliant artists from all over the world, standing ovation for endless moments was inevitable.

Talent fueled, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra's next must-be-seen show will take place at Katara Opera House where they will present "Mahler's First Symphony" on March 3, 7.30pm and will be led by the another world-wide known, award winner Maestro Tung-Chieh Chuang. Mark the date on your calendar!

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