Conductor J. Aaron Hardwick ’21, ’22 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting, Graduate Certificate in Esports Management) has announced two upcoming orchestral engagements featuring video game music in the United States and Europe. Following a successful appearance with the Munich Radio Orchestra, Hardwick will return to Germany to conduct Game On Symphony on Dec. 4, 2026, continuing his collaboration with the orchestra. He will also conduct the Winston-Salem Symphony in Next Level: Video Game Music in Concert on May 8, 2027, as part of the orchestra’s 2026/27 season.

The engagements follow the international release of “Suite from Perennial Order,” composed by Julian Crowhurst ’13 (Bachelor of Music in Composition) and conducted by Hardwick with the Munich Radio Orchestra. The recording, available through Spotify, Amazon Music and Naxos, has reached listeners in more than 99 countries, highlighting the international reach of their collaboration.

“Video game music has become one of the most exciting ways to connect audiences with the orchestra,” said Hardwick. “I’m grateful to collaborate with organizations that recognize both the artistic value of the repertoire and its ability to inspire new generations of listeners.”

Hardwick continues to build an international conducting career at the intersection of orchestral performance and video game music. He is represented by artist manager Jack Price of Price Attractions.