Acclaimed American conductor J. Aaron Hardwick ’21, ’22 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting, Graduate Certificate in Esports Management) is set to lead the Münchner Rundfunkorchester (Munich Radio Orchestra) in a pioneering concert dedicated to video game music this February. The ‘Let’s Play‘ concert, programmed by Hardwick, promises to be a groundbreaking event that underscores the artistic depth and cultural significance of video game scores.
Hardwick’s invitation to conduct this concert is particularly noteworthy as the Munich Radio Orchestra is the second orchestra under the prestigious Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation (BR), which also houses the world-renowned Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra led by Sir Simon Rattle. “It’s an honor to work with such a distinguished ensemble,” Hardwick notes. “Alongside these incredible musicians, I am excited to present a concert that will engage video game music fans and all audiences.”
The concert will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at the historic Prinzregententheater in Munich, and will be broadcast live via the Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) network, allowing audiences across Bavaria and beyond to experience this innovative program.
The Munich Radio Orchestra, celebrated for its versatility in opera, film, and classical music, will join Hardwick in presenting a concert that not only showcases the evolving landscape of classical music but also emphasizes the growing recognition of video game music as a legitimate and influential art form.
In addition to this exciting performance, Hardwick is pleased to announce his signing with Eva Artistic Management. This new partnership marks a significant milestone in his career, further establishing him as a dynamic force in the international classical music scene.
Photo by Lyndsie Schlink