Legendary composer and producer Akira Yamaoka will attend a special performance of Heroes: A Video Game Symphony in Toronto next year, with the concert scheduled for September 17, 2026 at The Bowl at Sobeys Stadium.
Best known for his work on the Silent Hill series, as well as Contra and Snatcher, Yamaoka will be present at the event and take part in a meet-and-greet session for fans who purchase a VIP experience. Concertgoers are also being encouraged to attend in cosplay, continuing the show’s fan-focused atmosphere.
A long-running symphonic celebration of game music
Heroes: A Video Game Symphony debuted in 2023 and has since become a regular fixture on the video game concert circuit. Unlike many orchestral game music events, Heroes is structured around Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, with the concert divided into chapters that mirror the stages of the classic “hero’s journey”.
Each section of the performance features music chosen to reflect that narrative arc, with selections drawn from a wide range of well-known series including The Elder Scrolls, Prince of Persia, Baldur’s Gate, Diablo, Assassin’s Creed, God of War, Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania, Fallout, and Halo.
Narration for the show is provided by Nigel Carrington, whose voice work will be familiar to players from Dear Esther.
A reunion with history
JMP Entertainment’s Jason Michael Paul noted that Yamaoka’s appearance continues a long-standing connection between the composer and live game music performances, referencing Yamaoka’s first US appearance at PLAY! A Video Game Symphony in 2006.
Yamaoka himself also commented on the upcoming event, saying he is looking forward to meeting fans and performing in Toronto.
Tickets for the Toronto performance are available now, with further details about Heroes: A Video Game Symphony available via the official website.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
