From the epic, sweeping music in a game like World of Warcraft to a song that is near and dear to many gamers' hearts like "Still Alive" from Portal, Video Games Live blends video games and classical music into a show that gamers and non-gamers alike can enjoy.

Video Games Live is coming to the John Labatt Centre in London for the first time ever on March 21, and doors open at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from around $27 to $72.

"I've been a video game composer for over 22 years," explained Tommy Tallarico, who created the show with Jack Wall. "I wanted to prove to the world how culturally significant and artistic video games had become. I really wanted to create a show for everyone, not just hardcore gamers or casual gamers, but really anyone who enjoys music and enjoys a good show."

Orchestra London has been hard at work for over two months putting together the music for this evening of amazing entertainment, which goes far beyond simply playing video game music with a full orchestra. "What makes it really special and unique is that everything is completely synchronized to match the video screens, stage show production, rock 'n' roll lighting, special effects and interactive elements with the crowd," explained Tallarico. "I kinda like to describe it as having all the power and motion of a symphony orchestra combined with the energy and excitement of a rock concert mixed together with all the cutting-edge visuals, technology and interactivity and fun that video games provide."

The fun starts before the show even begins with a celebration of all things video games for about an hour and a half before the doors open. There will be a costume contest, prize giveaways, interactive game demos and a Guitar Hero competition — the winner of that will get to feel like a real guitar god, even if only for a few minutes. "The winner of the Guitar Hero competition actually comes up on stage during the show," said Tallarico. "I'll be playing live guitar and the person who wins (the contest before the show) will be playing the game along with me ... the orchestra plays along with us as well. We have all the lighting and the fog machines and everything. They have to score a certain amount of points in order to win a big prize."

Audiences can expect a blend of songs from newer and older games with some classics thrown in. "Zelda, Mario, Final Fantasy, Warcraft, Halo — those five are definitely crowd favourites," Tallarico said. "Some of the more obscure stuff too, people really, really enjoy, like Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger, we do a rock 'n' roll version of Castlevania, Portal — the song 'Still Alive' — is always one that the audience sings along (with)."

Even if you don't recognize a single game title from that list, Tallarico is sure you'll enjoy the show. He mentioned he has gotten letters from parents of gamers who come out of the show with a much better understanding of why video games are so popular. "I created the show for your mom," he laughed. "Just as much for your mom as I did for you or for anyone else."

"You don't have to know anything at all about video games to come to the show and be able to follow along and know what's going on," he added. "We make sure of that."

Dust off your favourite video game shirt or character costume and limber up those thumbs, because this promises to be a night that gamers and the people who love them can all enjoy.

Head to johnlabattcentre.com for tickets and to videogameslive.com for more information about this event.