By: Adam Taylor –
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses in Toronto. (Photo: Adam Taylor/Aesthetic Magazine Toronto)
Nostalgic. Moving. Epic. The Sony Performing Arts Centre was host to the Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses last night. It was the Second Quest of this performance, which had some changes from its debut last year. A truly amazing four movement symphony and visual presentation celebrating one of Nintendo’s, if not the world’s, most famed and beloved series, The Legend of Zelda. A massive auditorium gave the production a standing ovation and heartfelt cries for more. It was more than just a symphony; it was an experience.
Before (and after) the show began Nintendo had various booths set up to allow fans to enjoy an early hands on experience of the new The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker HD re-release for the WiiU as well as the 3DS title The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds which is a sequel to critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and the first title made specifically for the 3DS. The Windwaker HD remake will be available September 20th as a digital download on the North American Nintendo eShop and as a bundle deal with a WiiU system for $299.99. The game will be available retail on Oct 4th. A Link Between Worlds doesn’t have a set release date but Nintendo has indicated they are planning for a holiday release.
There was also a booth selling t-shirts and posters for the event however those very quickly disappeared.
As the lights went down and conductor stepped on stage, the sold out venue let loose a deafening applause. People of all ages were eager for a great show, including some families where you couldn’t tell if the children or parents were the more excited ones. The orchestra opened up with the iconic main theme to the Legend of Zelda with a giant screen behind them showing cut-scenes and gameplay highlights from the various Zelda games, from claiming the wooden sword in the original Legend of Zelda to the emotional ending of Skyward Sword accompanying it.. You could feel the vibrations through the room, not from the orchestra’s performance but from the audience tapping their feet and slapping their knees along with the music. A room of three thousand fans enjoying an experience they’ll never forget. The music was that of the games yet had subtle nuances and changes that gave them new life. You still had the iconic music that fans would recognize in a heartbeat from the games yet they had their own unique feel as well. This was of course all the more noticeable with the music from earlier games that had limited technology at the time and now given a more grand presentation.
As the symphony broke up the story into four movements, it was more than just music from the games; it was a journey into the heart of what makes the Legend of Zelda a great series. It explored the hero’s awakening into a world of wonder to the loss of innocence. From the danger and excitement of the dungeons to climactic triumph over evil. The production offered breathtaking music and scenes from Link’s Awakening, A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Spirit Tracks, Windwaker, Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword.
It was a journey of wonder and excitement. Indulging in nostalgia while also bringing new fans into a deeper look at the evolution of Link and how a classic series can have so many titles that are so different yet so very much the same. Zelda’s peril, Link’s journey, the Master Sword, facing Ganon, love and loss; the presentation was truly moving that it brought tears to much of the audience.
When the show was finally finished the auditorium shook with the roars and applause of the audience, which resulted in the show getting a standing ovation that any orchestra would be proud to receive.
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