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The Ottawa Pops Orchestra is thrilled to present Hero of the Past, a symphonic journey through the beloved music of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. This re-orchestrated and expanded arrangement, originally composed by Koji Kondo and arranged by Alexandre Choinière, brings the game's iconic soundtrack to life with the full power of a symphony orchestra and chorus, featuring Latin translations by Olivier Simon.
The original performance, held on June 1st, 2019, featured Le Chœur des Jeunes de Laval, Les Petits Chanteurs de Laval, and L'Orchestre de Jeux Vidéo, a video game orchestra based in Montréal, QC. You can watch a live excerpt from this performance on YouTube here.
In addition to the reimagined music from A Link to the Past, the first half of the program will treat you to bite-sized arrangements from other beloved games in the Zelda franchise.
What’s interesting about this concert
A World Premiere for Symphonic Orchestra This concert marks the world premiere of Hero of the Past in its new symphonic form, specially re-orchestrated for full orchestra and choir. Originally performed for wind ensemble, this exclusive arrangement brings an unparalleled richness and depth to Koji Kondo’s iconic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past soundtrack, making it a must-see for music and gaming fans alike.
Hidden Musical Easter Eggs for the Devoted Fan
Composer Alexandre Choinière has woven subtle musical nods and hidden details throughout the arrangement. From the Latin translations of in-game prayers to musical hints buried within the score, there are plenty of surprises waiting for attentive ears. These touches add depth and intrigue, making this more than just a performance—it’s an interactive musical adventure.Overcoming 16-Bit Limitations with a Full Symphony
When Koji Kondo composed the original score for A Link to the Past, he worked within the constraints of 16-bit technology and the Super Nintendo's limited sound channels. Despite these restrictions, Kondo created a rich, memorable soundtrack that captured the essence of Hyrule. This concert takes that music far beyond its original form, re-orchestrating it for a full symphonic orchestra and choir, allowing every note and theme to reach its full potential—an experience impossible on the original hardware.
The Program
Arranger: Chad Seiter, Orch. Susie Benchasil Seiter & Wayne Strange
Arranger: Andrés Soto
Arranger: Alexandre Choinière