Video Game Symphony

What Video Game Symphony does

Video Game Symphony (VGS) is a Cleveland, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit symphony orchestra founded in June 2023 by Dr. Andrew Keller and Jaclyn Kurtz, both graduates of Kent State University. Its core product is live symphonic performances of video game music delivered by an ensemble of 100+ semi-professional musicians, including a full orchestra, SATB choir, and guest artists, at prestigious venues such as Severance Music Center, Playhouse Square, Maltz Performing Arts Center, and Akron Civic Theatre. The organization's technical differentiator is an extensive content library of orchestral arrangements spanning franchises such as Final Fantasy, Zelda, Mario, Halo, Baldur's Gate 3, Undertale, and World of Warcraft, sourced through a community arranger submission program.

The organization operates as a nonprofit with hybrid event-driven and direct-to-consumer go-to-market motions. Revenue is generated through concert ticket sales (processed via venue box offices), tiered tax-deductible donations from $25 (Friend) to $25,000+ (Maestro's Circle) processed via PayPal, a musician sponsorship program ($250–$5,000+) connecting donors to specific orchestra members, private event services for weddings and corporate clients offering ensembles from string quartets to full orchestras, and a Printify-integrated merchandise storefront. Customer segments include gaming enthusiasts and video game fans (primary), traditional classical music lovers, private event clients, and educational institutions reached through school and library performances.

VGS markets through organic social channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn), earned media (Cleveland 19 News), and live event presence at gaming conventions such as Colossalcon and Cleveland Gaming Classic. It is operationally linked to two sister organizations — Cinematic Symphony Orchestra and Press Play Orchestra — also founded by Dr. Keller, which share leadership, audition pools, and music preparation resources. The core leadership team includes Co-Founder/CEO/Music Director Andrew Keller, Co-Founder/President Jaclyn Kurtz, Principal Conductor Lorenzo Lopez, Associate Conductor and Chief Development Officer Andrew Perkins, Choir Director Cody Burroughs, and Concertmaster Samuel Rotberg. Recurring special guest artist 88bit, an award-winning pianist, anchors multiple 2026 concert programs.

Name

Video Game Symphony

Legal name

Video Game Symphony

Website

https://videogamesymphony.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Video Game Symphony is a Cleveland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit orchestra that performs live symphonic and choral concerts of video game music for gaming enthusiasts, classical music audiences, and private event clients across Ohio-area prestige venues.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment / Performing Arts

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Concerts & Music Festivals (THAJAFAA)

Keywords

• Live orchestral performances
• Video game music concerts
• Nonprofit symphony orchestra
• Private event entertainment
• Gaming music arrangements

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Concert Ticket Sales: Revenue from tickets sold for live concert performances at venues including Severance Music Center, Playhouse Square, Maltz Performing Arts Center, and Akron Civic Theatre. Ticket sales handled through venue box office systems.
2. Donations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization accepting tax-deductible donations at tiered levels from $25 (Friend) to $25,000+ (Maestro's Circle). Donors receive recognition benefits including name listings, rehearsal access, concert tickets, and the opportunity to conduct the orchestra for one piece.
3. Musician Sponsorships: Program allowing donors to sponsor specific musicians or instrument sections. Tiers range from $250 (Section Musician) to $5,000+ (Music Director). Includes personal connection with sponsored musician, rehearsal invitations, and concert tickets.
4. Private Event Services: Booking services for weddings and events featuring video game music performed by ensembles ranging from romantic string quartets to full chamber orchestras, rock bands, and vocal ensembles.
5. Merchandise Sales: Online merchandise store selling VGS-branded items through Printify integration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Video Game Symphony is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit symphony orchestra that performs live orchestral and choral concerts of video game music at Cleveland-area venues. Its core deliverable is a ticketed live concert experience featuring over 100 musicians performing arrangements from franchises such as Final Fantasy, Zelda, Mario, Halo, Baldur's Gate 3, Undertale, and World of Warcraft, supplemented by private event bookings, merchandise sales, and donation/sponsorship programs.

Product overview

Video Game Symphony is a nonprofit symphony orchestra devoted exclusively to performing video game music. The core offering consists of live concert performances featuring full symphony orchestra and choir (100+ musicians) at Cleveland-area venues. Concert programs include named events like LEVEL UP!, CHOOSE YOUR CHARACTER!, and PRESS CONTINUE, each featuring music from iconic video game franchises. The organization also offers private event services (weddings, corporate events) including string quartets, chamber orchestras, choirs, and rock bands. Additional offerings include merchandise sales and musician sponsorship programs. The ensemble operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in June 2023.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Live Concert Performances Full symphony orchestra and choir performances of video game music from iconic gaming franchises, performed live with over 100 musicians at venues including Playhouse Square, Severance Music Center, Maltz Performing Arts Center, and Akron Civic Theatre. Designed for gaming enthusiasts, classical music fans, and pop-culture audiences seeking high-quality live orchestral experiences.
• LEVEL UP! Concert Concert event celebrating video game music featuring special guest artist 88bit, with music from games including Baldur's Gate 3, Final Fantasy VII, Halo, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Super Mario Galaxy, and Undertale. Tickets sold via Playhouse Square box office.
• CHOOSE YOUR CHARACTER! Concert Concert event featuring music from beloved video game universes including Super Smash Bros. Melee, Castlevania, Super Mario Odyssey, Baldur's Gate 3, The Last of Us, and World of Warcraft, performed by full symphony orchestra and choir. Tickets sold via Cleveland Orchestra box office.
• PRESS CONTINUE Concert Concert featuring music from Assassin's Creed, World of Warcraft, Super Mario Galaxy 2, The Legend of Zelda, and Final Fantasy at Maltz Performing Arts Center. Tickets sold via venue box office.
• Weddings & Events Services Customizable live music services including romantic string quartet, solo vocal ballads with piano/guitar/harp accompaniment, chamber orchestra (10-25 performers), full SATB choir, vocal ensembles, woodwind groups, brass ensembles, and video game music rock band for private events and weddings. Booked directly via the VGS website contact form.
• VGS Merchandise Store Online store selling Video Game Symphony branded merchandise including premium sponsor T-shirts referenced in sponsorship tiers. Operated through Printify integration.
• Musician Sponsorship Program Personal sponsorship program allowing donors to support individual orchestra members with tiered benefits including rehearsal access, concert tickets, photo opportunities, and the chance to conduct the orchestra. Tiers range from Section Musician ($250) to Music Director ($5,000+), with the top tier including commissioning a piece arrangement with world premiere.

Quantifiable outcome

• First video game concert at Severance Hall in 94 years
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Cinematic Symphony OrchestracoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Sister symphony organization also founded by Dr. Andrew Keller. Related organization with shared leadership and administrative resources. Members can be considered for membership in both groups. Shares arrangement submission infrastructure and music preparation resources.
• Press Play OrchestracoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Sister symphony organization. Related organization with shared leadership and administrative resources. Auditioners can be considered for membership in all three groups simultaneously. Shares arrangement submission infrastructure and music preparation resources.
• 88bitmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning pianist known for dazzling interpretations of classic video game scores. Featured as special guest artist at multiple VGS concerts including LEVEL UP (June 2026) and CHOOSE YOUR CHARACTER (August 2026). Brings virtuosity and expressive depth to video game music performances.
• Kent State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlma mater of co-founders Dr. Andrew Keller and Jaclyn Kurtz. Organization has performed at Kent State University as part of community outreach activities.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights3 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@VideoGameSymphony
• Facebookfacebook.com/VideoGameSymphony
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/video-game-symphony
• Instagraminstagram.com/video_game_symphony
• TikToktiktok.com/@video.game.symphony

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Video Game Symphony