Kevin Zakresky has been conducting symphonies throughout North America since his days as an undergraduate student, but on April 23, he'll have the opportunity to conduct one of the world's most renowned orchestras in a venue that is just as widely recognized.

Zakresky recently joined the travelling company responsible for the worldwide tour of The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. Geared towards gamers and symphony-goers alike, the concert brings the music of the iconic videogame to the stage, while footage of the characters in action is projected above the orchestra.

As an associate conductor with the company, he's already had the opportunity to lead orchestras in Columbus, Ohio and Charlottesville, Virginia. Later this week, he'll head to Miami. The week after, he'll take to the stage in the legendary Wembley Arena and conduct the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

"It's a lot for somebody from Prince George," said Zakresky with a chuckle during a phone interview with the Straight on Monday (April 11). "It's sort of surprising and delightful. It's a place I've gone and seen music before, but I never dreamed in my wildest imagination that I would be on that stage."

The Yale University graduate began his career as a choral conductor, but said over the last three years, he’s expanded his repertoire by working with a variety of orchestral groups. In Vancouver, he is currently the conductor of the Pacifica Singers and the founder-director of Orpheum Voices. He also recently launched the Sea to Sky Symphony. From 2012 to 2015, Zakresky was the music director of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra. He's also worked with the St. Louis Symphony, Sudbury Symphony, West Coast Symphony, and Vancouver Chamber Choir, among others. 

The experienced conductor said he is incredibly excited to work with the talented musicians of the Royal Philharmonic insde the historic venue. "Wherever I go, the musicians are always the top people, and I think it will be so thrilling to play in Wembley Arena. It's such an iconic venue where the real rockstars play, and one of the more culturally important venues in the world."

As part of the Canadian leg of the touring Zelda show, Zakresky will be conducting three concerts in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. 

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses hits the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on September 23.