To most people born after the Carter administration, the opening notes of the video game Super Mario Bros. are instantly recognizable. Those born before make up the Seattle Symphonys primary demographic (its no secret that classical audiences are going a little salt-and-pepper). But that may be changing, thanks to Jason Michael Pauls Play!. Show producer Paul thinks hybrid media is a boon to orchestras, the key to attracting the next generation of concertgoers, and Play! combines the best video game scores of the last thirty yearsthe sweeping orchestral and vocal arrangements of Final Fantasy, the Gregorian chant-inspired Halo, and the likewith a dynamic video presentation on massive LCD screens showcasing theses games beautiful artwork and design. Cynics should know that long gone are the days of 8-bit synthesizers and Casio production values. (Thursday’s concert was very nearly sold out at press time, so a second has been added on Saturday.) Benaroya Hall, Third Avenue and Union Street, 215-4747, www.seattlesymphony.org. $17-$95. 7:30 p.m. tonight, 1 p.m. Sat., Jan. 26. JACOB CASEY
Thu., Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 26, 1 p.m., 2008
