Winston Salem Times

Wake Forest University is set to host a new event titled "We Play Together: Music & Gaming," taking place over three days from April 17 to April 19. This occasion is open to the public and free of charge.

The event offers a diverse range of activities, including discussions on careers, performances featuring music from the video games "Starfield" and "Fallout," alongside an Esports LAN event. Interested participants can access the full event schedule on the Wake The Arts website.

Professor J. Aaron Hardwick, who directs the symphony orchestra at Wake Forest and is also an avid gamer, organized the event. Commenting on the theme, he said, "Gaming music is bridging the gap between generations. The influence of the gaming industry and its music is truly global. It’s everywhere, and it’s only growing."

On Thursday, April 17, an open dress rehearsal for music from "Starfield" and "Fallout" featuring Inon Zur will be held at the Brendle Recital Hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The following day, April 18, a session titled "Merging Music, Gaming, and Business in Exploration" is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Broyhill Auditorium, School of Business. The Esports LAN event is set for April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Benson Student Center.

For more information, a Q&A with Aaron Hardwick discussing gaming's role in attracting new classical music fans is available on the WFU news website. Interviews with event leaders, featured guests, and students can be arranged by contacting media@wfu.edu.