"I couldn't be more pleased with the popularity of the FINAL FANTASY music in America, and I can't wait for the fans' reaction to this new show," said series composer Nobuo Uematsu. "I am especially delighted that my wish to perform in America with my band, The Black Mages, has come true."
"In appreciation of the great success of the 'Dear Friends' concerts, I'm thrilled to bring another performance to America during E3," said Ichiro Otobe, president and COO of Square Enix, Inc. "''More Friends' will add further depth and variety to the FINAL FANTASY music experience."
"More Friends" will be presented just one year after the first stateside performance of composer Nobuo Uematsu's award-winning music in "Dear Friends-Music from FINAL FANTASY." The positive reaction to the show set off a nationwide tour of "Dear Friends," and now fans can expect a new and memorable performance with "More Friends." The addition of special guest performers including Uematsu's own band, The Black Mages, will offer a brand-new experience to the "More Friends" audience.
The Black Mages made their debut in February 2003 with a self-titled album comprised of FINAL FANTASY battle music arranged in a rock style. Uematsu leads the band, performing as organist. Joining Uematsu are Tsuyoshi Sekito (guitar), Michio Okamiya (guitar), Kenichiro Fukui (keyboards), Keiji Kawamori (bass), and Arata Hanyuda (drums). More information about The Black Mages can be found at www.square-enix.com/uematsu/black_mages/index.html.
The program is produced by Uematsu and brings back conductor Arnie Roth from the "Dear Friends" concerts in Chicago and San Francisco. The concert is presented by Jason Michael Paul Productions. Tickets will be on sale on March 21, 2005 at all Ticketmaster outlets, at Universal Amphitheatre Main & Citywalk Box offices, charged by phone at 213.252.8497, or on the Internet at www.ticketmaster.com/venue/73787.
For more information on FINAL FANTASY music, please visit www.square-enix.com/uematsu/concert/index.html.
About FINAL FANTASY
FINAL FANTASY is one of the best-selling video game franchises in the world, with more than 60 million units sold worldwide. The first FINAL FANTASY was released in 1987 in Japan and 1990 in North America. Spanning multiple platforms, the long-running series has introduced the world of cinematic role-playing games (RPGs) to millions of gamers around the globe. Melding superior graphics and advanced gameplay with a rich storyline and moving soundtrack, FINAL FANTASY's worldwide fan base continues to grow.
About Nobuo Uematsu/Smile Please co., Ltd.
An accomplished composer and musician, Nobuo Uematsu has been responsible for the sweeping, epic scores in the FINAL FANTASY series. Well known for its ability to stir emotion in players, his music has changed gamers' perceptions and the standards of video game music forever. The music has led to a successful line of soundtracks and solo projects for Uematsu and has been brought to new life in live orchestral concerts since 2002. The music from the game series has grown to such popularity that veteran composer Uematsu was named as one of the "Innovators" in Time Magazine's "Time 100: The Next Wave-Music" feature. In October 2004, Uematsu formed Smile Please Co., Ltd. and continues to compose for Square Enix along with several other clients. For more information please visit www.square-enix-usa.com/uematsu/profile/.
About the World Festival Symphony Orchestra
The World Festival Symphony Orchestra has performed tours and recordings with many of today's top talents including Luciano Pavarotti, The Three Tenors, Andrea Bocelli, The Irish Tenors, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, and Charlotte Church.
About the CSUF University Singers
The 55-voice CFU Fullerton University Singers are under the direction of John Alexander. The CSUF chorus has performed with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and are joining the Boston Pops on their Holiday Pops concert tour for the fifth year running. Internationally acclaimed for their exquisite musicianship, they have been invited to perform at conferences and conventions throughout the world.
About Arnie Roth
Arnie Roth is a Grammy-winning artist known for his work with performers including Diana Ross, Charlotte Church, Peter Cetera, Art Garfunkel, and Dennis DeYoung. Roth has conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Philharmonic, the Dallas Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the BBC Symphony, and the Ravinia Festival Orchestra. In addition, Roth has produced dozens of best-selling CDs.
About HOB ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
HOB Entertainment, Inc., a Los Angeles-based global entertainment company, is the definitive live music brand. Founded in 1992, this dynamic company with soul, spirit, and vision is comprised of several unique businesses, including House of Blues Clubs, which operates 1,000 - 2,000 capacity venues located in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Chicago, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Las Vegas, Anaheim, and Cleveland. House of Blues Concerts, Inc. owns, operates, or exclusively books 20 arena and amphitheatre venues throughout North America, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Seattle (The Gorge), Atlanta, Cleveland, Toronto, and Vancouver. House of Blues - IT IS LIVE! ™ www.hob.com.
About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 60 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST™, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide - under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Square Enix, Inc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing, and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at www.square-enix.com.
