Chris: Moving to the future, there have been many rumours that a CD is in production for Symphonic Fantasies. Are you able to confirm whether this is still in progress and, if so, what we should expect in terms of presentation and recording quality?
Thomas Boecker: At this moment I cannot say much about a CD release of Symphonic Fantasies, because I have not decided yet on my role in such a production. When doing projects such as Symphonic Shades and Symphonic Fantasies, my main focus is always the actual concert. I had a lot of meetings the last weeks, and I am optimistic that an announcement will be made soon, though.
Chris: While Symphonic Fantasies and Symphonic Shades occurred in Cologne, they have received international recognition thanks to live broadcasts, official recordings, and media coverage. Have you also observed this phenomenon? Do you think there is scope for even more international expansion in the future?
Thomas Boecker: Yes, the broadcasts on radio and on the Internet had indeed a strong impact on the reception of the concerts. Besides that, Symphonic Shades' scores have been licensed for the use in Sinfonia Drammatica, as already talked about. Recently the Duisburg Philharmonic performed music from Symphonic Shades again. I was not involved in the project, since it was a direct agreement between the WDR and the orchestra. However, it shows a great development in the world of video game music. While I cannot confirm anything particular at this moment, I wouldn't be surprised if Symphonic Fantasies were performed again one day, somewhere, at least in parts.
About the international expansion, there is always room for more. However, I think offering a live video stream for free as we did with Symphonic Fantasies hardly can be topped — maybe just in terms of promotion to make more people aware of it. We can further improve its quality, too. This is certainly something we can work on in the future.
Chris: On September 23, 2010, you will present Symphonic Legends at the Philharmonic Hall in Cologne. Are you able to say any more about the content of the concerts and what attendees should expect. Will all the team from Symphonic Fantasies return for the production?
Thomas Boecker: I'm pleased to say that tickets have now gone on sale for the concert and can be purchased through this link as of today.
Symphonic Legends will follow our concept of tributes. In 2008 it was a tribute to Chris Huelsbeck, in 2009 it was Square Enix, and in 2010 we will continue in that direction. Jonne Valtonen will be the main arranger of Symphonic Legends and its successor in 2011. Roger Wanamo who worked together with Jonne Valtonen on the Chronos segment for Symphonic Fantasies will be back too, and I am planning with guest arrangers; not all of them are too known in the world of video game music yet. Last but not least, I think Symphonic Legends can be described as the best of both worlds from Symphonic Shades and Symphonic Fantasies.
Vielleicht sollte man denen nochmal ne Mail schreiben und fragen.