BYU–Hawaii Choir Collaborates with Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra in Video Game Music Concert
Recent Collaboration
The BYU–Hawaii Choir recently had the extraordinary opportunity to perform with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra (HSO) in Game On!, a concert featuring the powerful and evocative music of video games. This collaboration is part of an exciting season of orchestral performances for our students, showcasing their versatility, artistry, and ability to engage with diverse musical genres on professional stages.
Under the direction of Choir Director Dr. Erica Glenn, our students stepped into the unique world of video game music—a genre that blends cinematic storytelling with deeply expressive choral writing. The collaboration with HSO marks another milestone in BYU–Hawaii’s commitment to providing its students with high-caliber, real-world musical experiences.
A Season of Musical Excellence
This semester has been an especially eventful one for our choral program. Prior to the Game On! concert, members of our choir performed under the preparation of conductor Dr. Joshua Habermann alongside the O‘ahu Choral Society in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, which was conducted by Maestro Dane Lam. In just a few months, our students will take their talents to one of the world’s most prestigious concert venues: Carnegie Hall. There, they will premiere The Worldwide Requiem, a seven-movement work for choir and orchestra composed by Dr. Erica Glenn.
These experiences highlight the strength and momentum of our music program, which continues to create opportunities for students to engage in high-level performances that prepare them for future careers in music and beyond.
The Power of Video Game Music
For this concert, the BYU–Hawaii Choir worked with guest conductor Andy Brick, an internationally acclaimed composer and orchestrator specializing in video game music. Our students embraced the challenge of interpreting these pieces with a dynamic, dramatic flair.
Many of the choir members, especially in the bass section, were already familiar with the themes from their own gaming experiences, bringing an extra layer of excitement and energy to their preparation. For others, including Professor Glenn, it was a new world of music to explore. “I have to admit, I’m not a gamer,” Glenn said, “but I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the incredible artistry that goes into composing for this genre.”
One standout moment in the rehearsal process came when the choir performed Shanty, a rousing sea shanty featured in the program. Brick was blown away by their delivery, remarking that it was the best first rehearsal of the piece he had ever heard. This level of enthusiasm and theatricality has become a defining characteristic of the BYU–Hawaii Choir, which includes many musical theatre students who thrive on bringing storytelling to life through song.
A Choir That Embodies Global Diversity
BYU–Hawaii’s music program is unlike any other, with a student body representing over 70 countries. Within the choir, more than 20 native languages are spoken, creating a rich and diverse musical environment. This global perspective allows students to authentically engage with a wide range of musical styles, from Western classical traditions to indigenous and contemporary choral works.
“The choir is dedicated to music as a tool for intercultural peacebuilding,” Glenn said. “We draw on the heritage and expertise of our students, using music to bridge cultures and tell stories from around the world.”
Sharing the Experience with a Wider Audience
The choir’s remarkable collaboration with HSO has also gained public recognition. Dr. Erica Glenn was recently featured in an interview on Hawai‘i Public Radio with Craig DeSilva, where she introduced O‘ahu audiences to the BYU–Hawaii Choirs and their recent work with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Listen to the full interview here.
Looking Ahead
The choir’s performance with HSO is just one of many exciting projects on the horizon. As they prepare for their Carnegie Hall debut and continue to expand their repertoire, these students are proving that a BYU–Hawaii music education is both rigorous and transformative. Whether pursuing careers in music or using their skills in other fields, our students are gaining the kind of professional experiences that set them apart in today’s artistic landscape.
Through collaborations like this, the BYU–Hawaii Choir continues to make its mark in the world of music, bringing energy, passion, and global perspective to every performance.