The Hidden Triforce recently got a chance to interview Amy Andersson, the conductor for the Symphony of the Goddesses. Her position allowed us to see a deeper insight into the workings of such a production. Amy can be reached on both Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for The Hidden Triforce. We really appreciate the dedication to the fans of your production.

You are welcome, and thank you for the chance to talk! I feel a deep dedication in my heart to our Zelda fans, and I enjoy communicating with them.

1. How did you end up becoming the conductor for The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses? Can you tell us a bit about the experience, your interest in the position, and how everything came together for you?

I guest conducted a few shows for Replay: Symphony of Heroes in 2014, which is a Jason Michael Paul Production. It is through Replay that Jason got to know me. He then subsequently invited me to come on board as Music Director for The Legend of Zelda Symphony of Goddesses current world tour. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this touring project.

2. Were you a fan of the Zelda series prior to your experiences as a conductor for the show? If not, are you a fan of the series now?

My two sons were big gamers, and basically grew up playing Nintendo games. Zelda was always one of their favorites, so I would say that they actually introduced ME to Zelda! And yes, I am definitely becoming a fan of the series.

3. I would imagine that touring must be a difficult and grueling experience. How do you cope with the rigors of such a challenging schedule?

You are spot on. Touring is grueling and takes a great deal of energy. For me the key to surviving, if you will, is to get enough rest between shows, stay calm, exercise and eat well. I try to rest on the flights and not stress out the little stuff. I sometimes will sleep on a couch backstage for a while before the show to really recharge. I want to be able to give my all to the fans who are waiting for us each night.

4. What is your biggest role as conductor of this show, and how do you approach this duty?

My big role and responsibility as conductor is to pull every musical element together in the four hours that we have during the rehearsal on the day of the show. I rehearse usually around 1pm with the choir, and then from 2-5pm with the whole orchestra and choir. During that time, everything from video to click track has to fit together, and all details need to be addressed. Our Technical Director Steven Lemke is a wizard and makes it all happen night after night for those of us on stage. He is unseen to the audience and works behind the scenes, but Steven plays a huge role in how the show flows. I want to put his name out there because he deserves the love. It is also during the rehearsal that the musicians and I form that human connection and look into each other’s eyes. It is then that the spirit of teamwork happens and we realize that we are part of the greater good. When I step onto the stage, my greatest responsibility begins. My job is to be a conduit and messenger for the music. I try to channel the composer, the energy, the beauty of what he has written, and show it with every fiber of my physical and emotional being. There is a palpable energy that one feels when this happens. My fingers, my face, my baton, and my breath all express the musical energy that bursts forth. My job is to communicate this musical energy to the audience. When it happens the music jumps off the printed page and the experience of Zelda becomes its own universe. The orchestra can feel it and the fans feel it. By that time I am usually blinking back tears of joy. I would describe it as a form of human emotional ecstasy, actually. It is an ecstatic experience when then audience, orchestra and music merge into one. I have profound gratitude for these experiences.

5. What has been the most special moment for you so far during the Goddess of the Symphony tour? Has any one performance stood out to you from the rest?

I honestly have to say that every performance thus far has had those exquisite moments when everyone feels transported to another universe, to this beautiful universe of Zelda.

6. What can we expect for the future of the Symphony of the Goddesses? Will music from the upcoming Tri Force Heroes be orchestrated for later shows?

The fans should know that our Zelda tour calendar for 2016 is filling up. As for a Tri Force Heroes show? That would be fantastic! I really hope that the future holds many more shows and musical experiences. I am guessing only, but I think that there are projects in the works and that things are evolving. Our Executive Producer is passionate about what he does and is a visionary in his quest. I would just say, stayed tuned!

7. Do you have a favorite piece from the set list? Why is it your favorite?

Ah, I love so many pieces….Twilight Princess, Time of Falling Rain, Ocarina of Time, Dragon Roost…I love those because of the emotion, the sadness, the love, the melancholy, and the joy that they express.

8. Do you ever see the music being produced and sold via CD or digitally?

Yes, I do see that as a possible project and I really hope it becomes a reality.

9. How long will the Symphony of the Goddesses continue to tour? The series toured for a while and then took a short hiatus. Will it be taking another hiatus any time soon? Or will it be concluding for good once the listed dates are over?

Our tour dates for 2015 take a pause in December. We have a whole list of dates for 2016 that have not yet been formally announced. But from what I have heard, it is a pretty spectacular tour! I can’t wait!