London Metropolitan Orchestra records music at Chichester Tech Park
A recent orchestral recording at the University of Chichester has brought a new video game score to life, featuring the London Metropolitan Orchestra. The university hosted the orchestra in April to record the soundtrack for an upcoming video game titled Project Motor Racing. Professor Stephen Baysted, an expert in film, TV, and games composition, composed the score for this highly anticipated AAA racing simulation game set to release in 2025.
The score, completed over 18 months, showcases a rich ensemble comprising a 50-string section and 17 brass instruments. Led by Professor Baysted, the orchestra, alongside soloist Susan Legg on piano and vocals, breathed life into the composition at the tech park. Professor Baysted expressed his excitement about his role as both composer and audio director for this project, emphasizing the grandiosity of the music through the large orchestral forces involved. He aimed to transport players into the world of motorsport, providing an immersive experience akin to that of a real racing driver, complete with all the risks and physical sensations.
The University of Chichester’s Tech Park in Bognor Regis has built a reputation for hosting recording sessions for film, TV, and game scores. Notable productions at this facility include contributions to popular shows like Will Smith’s Apple TV+ series Emancipation, as well as scores for various episodes of Matthew Slater’s Endeavour and Grace. Professor Baysted highlighted the exceptional sound quality of the studio, which many now consider on par with London’s renowned scoring studios. Furthermore, he underscored the value of involving students on these projects, providing them with unique opportunities to gain practical experience alongside industry professionals.
Project Motor Racing, developed by Straight 4 Studios Ltd and Giants Software, will be accessible on gaming platforms like Xbox, Playstation 5, and PC. This collaboration between the London Metropolitan Orchestra and the University of Chichester underscores the growing significance of orchestral recordings in the realm of video game soundtracks. The success of this project not only showcases the talent and expertise of the orchestra and the university but also highlights the evolving landscape of music composition within the gaming industry.