A colorful mix of film and video game music

UBTaktuell: What can visitors expect at the anniversary concert "Soundtracks" on July 18 in the Audimax?

Sandy Wilke: A varied live concert featuring musical performances by more than 30 participants – with themes from films and video games. The whole event takes place in our beautiful Audimax in a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone is welcome without prior registration, and admission is free.

UBTaktuell: How did the idea for the concert come about – and why the theme "Soundtracks"?

Jochen Koubek: The idea of homemade, informal music-making is part of musical culture. It’s not just about showcasing virtuosity, but also about sharing the joy of pieces that hold personal meaning. The theme "Soundtracks" is a natural fit for our discipline – Media Studies in Bayreuth focuses on film, games, and sound.

UBTaktuell: Do media studies perspectives play a role in the selection or interpretation of the pieces?

Jochen Koubek: Probably not. The selection and interpretation of the pieces is entirely up to the musicians – we don't interfere and don't expect any accompanying academic reflection.

Sandy Wilke: Just as the Games Nights primarily serve to give students practical access to media they encounter in their studies – for example, playing on 1980s consoles they might not otherwise get their hands on – “Soundtracks” is another opportunity to create a personal connection with works they engage with theoretically.

UBTaktuell: Who will be performing? Are there any special guests or collaborations with other departments or artists?

Jochen Koubek: The performers include current and former staff and students of the University of Bayreuth, as well as friends of the university. Members from all faculties are warmly invited to participate, though Media Studies currently contributes the majority of the musicians.

UBTaktuell: How was the concert organized? What challenges were there?

Sandy Wilke: The concert was initiated and is primarily organized by Prof. Koubek. Around three months before the concert date, we put out a call inviting anyone interested in music to contact us and suggest pieces for the program. Karaoke or playback is not allowed – everything must be performed live. About two weeks before the concert, we finalize the program and prepare the accompanying slides with poster motifs and screenshots from the films and games, which are shown on the big screen during the performances.

The biggest challenge this year, as in previous years, will likely be the soundcheck for our now ten-member band "Die musikalische Späterziehung," founded by Prof. Koubek and Paul Hadwiger. This year, we’re also introducing the iPad band, led by Dr. Alan Fabian – that’s something to look forward to!

UBTaktuell: Which soundtracks will be played – more classics or also modern pieces from games or series?

Jochen Koubek: The program is well-balanced between well-known classics and pieces from lesser-known works. This year includes quite a few hits. Together, we’ll dive into the worlds of Arcane, Vikings, Harry Potter, Pocahontas, Pink Panther, Frozen, Attack on Titan, and Super Mario Galaxy, among others.

Sandy Wilke: For the organizing team, both the proposed pieces and the ways they’re performed are always a lovely surprise. Even rarer instruments like the ocarina, melodica, or mandolin have made appearances – it’s a lot of fun!

UBTaktuell: How does the concert tie in with the university’s anniversary?

Jochen Koubek: The concert has taken place annually since 2016 (with the exception of the lockdown). Since then, it has developed wonderfully, and we’re excited to present an especially appealing program in this anniversary year. We hope the concert is seen as a contribution to the cultural diversity at the University of Bayreuth.