If you were worried that PLAY! A Video Game Symphony were a tour of the past, they have just announced two new concerts and a CD / DVD release. On April 23, 2008, the tour will perform twice at the eminent Rudolfinum concert hall in Prague, Czech Republic. The world-famous Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and Kuehn's mixed choir will perform the two hour concerts, conducted by tour veteran Arnie Roth. The 5 PM concert will be a rehearsal performance and the 8 PM concert will be a recording concert for an upcoming CD and DVD. Tickets for both concerts can be bought via the official site.

The concerts will premiere the arrangement "Gusty Garden Galaxy" from Super Mario Galaxy composed by Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo. It has also been announced that Lebanese percussionist Rony Barrak will be a guest performer for this item. In addition, regular items from the tour such as Final Fantasy, Zelda, Chrono, Metal Gear Solid, Sonic, Kingdom Hearts, Halo, Warcraft, and Silent Hill will be performed in conjunction with graphics on large screens above the orchestra.

Fans of video game music will be delighted to learn that the second Prague concert will be recorded for a CD and DVD release due for the near future. Producer Jason Michael Paul explains that they have been waiting for the right time to make this recording a reality: "The timing could not be better!... While it may be best known as home to the world’s greatest classical music venue as performed by the renowned Czech Philharmonic, this stunning orchestra hall has built a reputation as a destination for some of the best classical music recordings of our time." Unlike the abandoned Video Games Live: Greatest Hits - Vol. 1, this release is legitimate and approved by all game companies featured.

Pre-sale of the recording will be available from the soon and will, of course, be reviewed by Square Enix Music Online. If you're interesting in learning more about the tour, don't forget to visit the official site and its tickets page. Also check out our interview and review concerning the tour's premiere.

Unlike the abandoned Video Games Live: Greatest Hits - Vol. 1, this release is legitimate and approved by all game companies featured.

...concluded Paul, “I am confident in saying that this will be the best video game music recording of all time.”

Be sure to watch for announcements of more concerts in the United States as well as a European tour that will make its way through Scandinavia, Germany, and other stops throughout Europe.