Photo courtesy of WSOMusic
The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra to perform ‘Grieg & Gamers’ Multi-Generational Concert Experience
The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra presents Grieg & Gamers, a cinematic, multi-generational concert experience where classical masterworks meet iconic video game soundtracks. The performance will take place Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., at The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church, 4881 W. Panther Creek Drive. Tickets range from $15.00 to $50.00 plus Eventbrite fees and may be purchased online at www.woodlandssymphony.eventbrite.com. Doors open at 5 p.m. for General Admission seating.
The program opens with Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite and his Piano Concerto in A minor, followed by a second half featuring symphonic arrangements inspired by beloved video game worlds including Mario Galaxy, Pokémon Go, The Legend of Zelda, and Minecraft. Designed to welcome seasoned concertgoers, families, gamers, and first-time symphony attendees, Grieg & Gamers celebrates storytelling through music across generations.
Darryl Bayer, Artistic Director of The Woodlands Symphony, continues to lead the orchestra with innovative programming that bridges classical tradition and contemporary culture. A professional trumpeter and conductor, Bayer founded and revitalized the orchestra with a focus on artistic excellence, education, and community engagement. Mr. Bayer will bring insight to the concert in his educational narrative between selections and lead The Woodlands Symphony through their maze of video game themes.
Guest conductor Emmanuel Coraza, Director of Orchestras at The Woodlands College Park High School, will direct The Woodlands Symphony for the classical portion of Grieg & Gamers. Widely respected as both an educator and conductor, Coraza brings a dynamic musical presence shaped by years of success in orchestral education and professional performance.
The concerto soloist, pianist Matthew Kent Everett, brings a similarly wide-ranging perspective. Founder and Artistic Director of The Woodlands Diversion, Everett is an award-winning performer and composer who made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2022 after winning First Prize in the American Protégé Competition. A student of Abbey Simon and Anton Nel, his playing favors clarity and proportion, informed by a broader interest in interdisciplinary work that places classical music in conversation with other forms.
The Woodlands Symphony gratefully acknowledges concert presenter The Game Preserve, whose original Woodlands-area location is at 473 Sawdust Road, Spring, Texas, for helping connect gaming culture and symphonic music. The orchestra also extends sincere thanks to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for its continued support of The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra.
For more information, visit www.woodlandssymphony.org.
Source: The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra
