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Orchestral maneuvers in the game

Jon Skillings Editorial director
Jon Skillings is an editorial director at CNET, where he's worked since 2000. A born browser of dictionaries, he honed his language skills as a US Army linguist (Polish and German) before diving into editing for tech publications -- including at PC Week and the IDG News Service -- back when the web was just getting under way, and even a little before. For CNET, he's written on topics from GPS, AI and 5G to James Bond, aircraft, astronauts, brass instruments and music streaming services.
Expertise AI, tech, language, grammar, writing, editing Credentials
  • 30 years experience at tech and consumer publications, print and online. Five years in the US Army as a translator (German and Polish).
Jon Skillings

Bela Bartok drew on Hungarian folk songs. Aaron Copland famously recrafted a simple Shaker hymn. For contemporary composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, inspiration lies in video games.

Tonight, Tallarico will be a featured performer with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as it presents "Video Games Live" at the Hollywood Bowl. The concert will feature both a full orchestra and a choir, as well as a laser show, video clips and live characters. Games in the lineup include "Halo," "Metal Gear Solid," "Mario" and "Ghost Recon." Tickets range in price from $12 to $92.

If you've played a video game in recent years, there's a good chance you've heard tunes from Tallarico and Wall. Tallarico's notes have made their way into top titles including "Madden Football" and "Mortal Kombat," while Wall's credits include the score for "Myst IV: Revelation."

Can't be in LA tonight? Don't worry. The show goes on and on around the country through August and September, with stops in Atlanta, Cleveland and Phoenix, among other cities.