MERREGNON: LAND OF SILENCE

Video game music is now an important part of society.
Video game music is now an important part of the daily lives of so many people around the world.

Merregnon: Land of Silence is a ”Peter and the Wolf” for the Playstation generation. It is a performance created for families and children, an introduction to the wonder of symphonic sound.

Merregnon is a fantastical world of its own, painted with beautiful images, captivating melodies and symphonic sounds. The story is by German children’s author Frauke Angel and the music is composed by Yoko Shimomura, one of the most prominent video game music composers of our time. She composed the music for internationally best-selling games like Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy XV.

German producer Thomas Böcker is behind the idea. His past endeavours include the incredibly successful concerts of video game music such as Final Symphony and Symphonic Fantasies. He has said that Merregnon: Land of Silence is a symphonic fairy tale of courage, perseverance, solidarity and above all, freedom.

The performance was originally scheduled to have its premiere with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra in Konserthuset Stockholm in March 2021, but the pandemic made the plans. Instead, Merregnon gets its premiere as a specially produced concert film.

下村阳子(作曲家)

It’s a great honour to be asked to compose for an orchestra, and I’m particularly pleased and excited to be involved in the Merregnon: Land of Silence project, creating something that children and young people will enjoy is always a rewarding challenge, and together with the charming story and beautiful artwork I hope we will inspire a brand new generation of orchestral and classical music fans.

Frauke Angel (AUTHOR)

Merregnon: Land of Silence is the story of the orphan Miru, who embarks on an unforgettable adventure with her childhood friend Hikito and the trusty dog Mako. Their goal is to find out what is plaguing the Land of Silence, Merregnon.

MIRU (CELLO)

The cello section describes Miru, the orphaned hero in the musical tale Merregnon: Land of Silence.
She thirsts for knowledge, and she is powerful and energetic.
We understand from the music that beneath the surface, she is sensitive and a little uncertain at times.

HIKITO (TRUMPET)

Hikito is a kind-hearted and at times somewhat lazy boy, and when he gets excited, he also gets the hiccups. Usually, he wants life to be simple, but he still feels like an adventurer and explorer. In the musical tale of Merregnon: Land of Silence, Hikito’s melody is played by the trumpets. And if you listen really carefully, you can even hear his hiccups elsewhere.

SKISSOR (CLARINET)

Skissor is conceited, manipulative and lacking in empathy. We hear clearly in the music that he is a frightening and unpredictable character. In Merregnon: Land of Silence, his melody is played by the clarinet. When the stage falls dark, the bass clarinet takes over the melody.

MAKO (PERCUSSION)

Mako the dog is portrayed in Merregnon: Land of Silence by the marimba, bongo and congas. These instruments are played by the orchestra’s percussionist. We can hear that Mako is adventurous, proud and stubborn. He is also Miru’s loyal friend and protector.

IKARI (FLUTE)

Ikari is sweet and good-natured, but also a little mysterious. Even if her voice is as clear and light as her feathers, she carries a heavy burden. In Merregnon: Land of Silence, we hear her melody change as the story progresses, reflecting the entire land more and more.

YAMAKITO (CELESTA)

The piano and the uncommon brass instrument called the euphonium bring the dragon Yamakito to life in Merregnon: Land of Silence.
He has been defeated, and he is sad
but he never wants to give up his dreams of reconciliation.

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