ESL One Dota 2: Opening Ceremony
April 28, 2024 at World Resort Arena in Birmingham, UK
Our string section, composed of ten talented musicians, performed a special rendition of the iconic Dota 2 theme.
We are thrilled to share the incredible experience of our recent collaboration with ESL One for the Dota 2 Opening Ceremony at the World Resort Arena in Birmingham, UK. This event was a monumental occasion in the gaming world, and we were honoured to bring our unique musical touch to such a prestigious stage.
Pictures by Chiara Ceccaioni / JMNI
The Brief and Initial Call
Our journey began with an exciting call from the ESL One event organisers, who envisioned a unique and impactful way to kick off the Dota 2 tournament.
They wanted a three-minute orchestral live performance during the opening game that would seamlessly adapt to the dynamic flow of the ceremony. The challenge was that the music needed to enhance the on-stage action in real-time.
For example, as the presenter made their entrance, the music needed to be triumphant and high in dynamic. When the introduction speech commenced, the music had to transition to a lower, more subdued dynamic. Then, as the teams of players were announced and made their grand entrance from the audience side of the arena, the music needed to rise again with epic intensity.
They believed that a live orchestral performance could provide just the right atmosphere and create a memorable experience for the audience. We were immediately on board and eager to get started.
Pictures by Chiara Ceccaioni / JMNI
2. Preparation and Planning
Ensuring that the composition was structured according to the flow of the opening ceremony was crucial. We engineered the track so that at specific moments, we could seamlessly skip to the necessary section with the required dynamic. Another key concern was making the score intuitive and readable for all musicians performing on stage.
To achieve this, we divided the piece into sections and loops after composing the rendition of the theme.
Each loop was designed to be repeated until the musicians were cued to move to the next section. This transition could happen at any moment, without needing to wait for the current loop to finish. A backing track played alongside the live orchestra, making it essential for the musicians to have in-ear monitors to stay in sync and receive cues from Michael Amadi, the music director for this show.
We built the session in Ableton Live with our playback engineer, Fabio Poian. The session was a success, allowing us to achieve the desired fluidity and precision. Additionally, we incorporated automated cue calls for the musicians, providing them with real-time instructions through their in-ear monitors whenever a new section was initiated.
Watch below the video vlog by Fabio Poian
Video by Fabio Poian, playback engineer
3. Score Production
To ensure it was intuitive and efficient, we wrote one cue per page and added simple, specific instructions on how to read each part. The feedback from the musicians was overwhelmingly positive; they found the score easy to read and follow, which significantly contributed to the performance's success.
The score was meticulously prepared by Francesco Di Cataldo, our head of repertoire at OneOrchestra.
Pictures by Chiara Ceccaioni / JMNI
Execution and Rehearsals
The day of the performance began with an early call time as we traveled from London to Birmingham. With the doors of the World Resort Arena opening at 10 AM to welcome 15,000 attendees, it was essential for our rehearsal to be early, quick, and efficient. Despite the tight schedule, our incredible team of producers and engineers ensured that everything ran smoothly from the moment we arrived.
Upon reaching the venue, the team immediately set up the sound equipment and stage. Our rehearsal focused on positioning the musicians on stage, coordinating the lighting, and optimising camera angles to capture the best moments of our performance. The entire setup was critical to ensure that our music seamlessly integrated with the live events happening on stage, adapting to the dynamic needs of the ceremony.
Once the initial setup and rehearsal were complete, we had the rest of the day to practice the score and fine-tune our performance backstage. This dedicated time allowed us to perfect the nuances of our rendition, ensuring that each transition and dynamic shift was executed flawlessly.
Pictures by Chiara Ceccaioni / JMNI
4. The Show
The day of the performance was filled with anticipation and excitement. The World Resort Arena in Birmingham buzzed with energy as 15.000 fans from around the world gathered to witness the opening ceremony of ESL One: Dota 2. Backstage, our team was focused and ready.
As the lights dimmed and the audience chanted, our string section took the stage. The opening notes of the Dota 2 theme echoed through the arena, building into a powerful and captivating performance. The audience's reaction was electric, with cheers and applause filling the venue. It was a moment of pure magic, where gaming and music converged to create an unforgettable experience.
The opening ceremony itself was a grand spectacle. As the presenter emerged, our music transitioned to a triumphant and high-energy dynamic, perfectly setting the tone. During the introduction speech, the music softened, allowing the focus to shift to the speaker. The most exhilarating moment came as the team of players was announced and made their grand entrance from the audience side of the arena. Our music soared back to an epic and powerful crescendo, filling the arena with an electrifying atmosphere.
5. A Grateful Reflection
Reflecting on this journey fills us with immense pride for our achievements. Collaborating with ESL One for the Dota 2 Opening Ceremony underscored the profound impact of music in elevating live events.
We are deeply grateful to the event organisers for entrusting us with such an important role and to our talented musicians for their dedication and artistry. This collaboration with ESL One for the Dota 2 Opening Ceremony showcased the versatility and expertise of OneOrchestra, proving once again that music has the power to elevate any event to extraordinary heights.
As we look forward to future collaborations, we remain committed to bringing our passion for music to new and exciting stages. This performance at the World Resort Arena was just the beginning, and we can't wait to see where our musical journey takes us next.
Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes stories from OneOrchestra. Thank you for being a part of our musical adventure!