Final Fantasy - More Friends, More Music

It's no secret that the Dear Friends - Music of Final Fantasy concerts that have been popping up sporadically around the country in the past year have been a huge hit with fans. So much so that they have spawned More Friends - Music From Final Fantasy, the newest installment of live orchestral performances featuring the music of Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu.

On Monday May 16th, the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles will open its doors and play host to the latest performance of the popular videogame score. More Friends will meld footage from the videogame series with live orchestral, rock and pop music. In addition, the original soundtracks Dear Friends - Music from Final Fantasy and More Friends - Music from Final Fantasy will be available for purchase at the performance. This marks the first time they have been in the U.S.

While the music of Final Fantasy is the centerpiece of the concert, the Los Angeles performance of More Friends will be extra special thanks to the inclusion of a number of guest artists.

For starters, the concert will present the U.S. debut of "Maria and Draco," an opera from Final Fantasy VI. It will be sung by Stephanie Woodling (Mezzo-Soprano), Chad Berlinghieri (Tenor) and Todd Robinson (Bass-Baritone). The concert will alsp unveil the worldwide debut of "Swing de Chocobo," newly arranged by Arnie Roth, who will be conducting the entire concert performed by the World Festival Symphony Orchestra, the CSUF University Singers and the Nobuo Uematsu's band, The Black Mages.

As for extra special guests, attendees will be treated to a performance by Emiko Shiratori, vocalist for "Melodies of Life," the theme song from Final Fantasy IX and
Japanese vocal sensation RIKKI will sing "Suteki Da Ne," the theme song from Final Fantasy X. Also on tap will be performances by The Black Mages, best known for delivering the epic battle music for the series. The band, which was created by Uemetsu, will lend their rock n' roll element to the proceedings. And finally, James Arnold Taylor, best known as the voice of Tidus in Final Fantasy X will be the special guest MC.

Tickets for "More Friends -- Music from FINAL FANTASY" are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 213.252.8497, on the Internet at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/73787 or at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal Citywalk box offices.