Elbphilharmonie: The concert hall becomes a playground | NDR.de – Culture – Music

By Antonia Reeve

Playing without exciting music is unthinkable. What comes naturally when playing and creates the corresponding emotion and drama comes to the fore during a concert at Elphi. This concert is an experience.

The large hall of the Elbphilharmonie is set to become a games arena. Streamer Staiy, who has more than 300,000 followers online, sits at a desk on stage. He has a computer in front of him and a gaming console in his hand. Behind him is an orchestra and next to him is a professional foley artist. Staiy's game is being broadcast on a big screen, he's commentating the whole thing and all the sounds here are created live and in real time.

Live streamer, orchestra and foley performer on stage

Foley artist Simone Nowicki is in her element

The North German Chamber Orchestra, the “Reflective Ensemble,” is known for its enthusiasm for experimentation. Under the direction of conductor Jochen Neufer, the game's soundtrack is carefully tailored to the character's actions. Simon Nowicki is a foley artist who usually works in radio play studios. Now she sits on stage in a scrap room made of small parts and makes subtle background noise: tiny bells, the rustle of footsteps in the grass, or the flapping of a hummingbird's wings with the help of a power spinner.

Some visitors find it “really cool”, “very well coordinated” and “it's absolutely crazy that it always manages to sound so good”. Streamer Staiy plays the award-winning games “Journey” and “Lost Ember”. Sometimes as a cloaked character and sometimes as a wolf, he wanders the landscape and ruins, always looking to solve puzzles and reach a new goal or level.

Exciting gaming experience with a classical concert

Streamer Staiy in conversation with broadcaster Charlotte Oelschlegel

For many children and young people in the audience, gaming is a great hobby. They watch streamers play games on Twitch and meet online. The entire school classes and children along with their parents attended this live gaming party – an exciting group gaming experience with a classic concert.

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