About Us

The Press Play Orchestra is one of the only orchestras in the world that is 100% dedicated to the music of of popular culture, including movie, video game, TV, and anime soundtracks.

Prepare for a spectacular experience as our full symphony orchestra performs the greatest hits from Hollywood and beyond!

This groundbreaking ensemble is one of the world’s only professional-caliber orchestras devoted solely to the artform of media music.

History

Press Play Orchestra was founded in Spring 2025, growing out of a passion for media music of all types, an intimate love for both chamber and full orchestral performances , the desire to take expansive orchestral ensembles to nontraditional venues, and an aspiration to find new ways to connect with members of the community.  It is the third ensemble formed in a trio of groundbreaking orchestras, including the Video Game Symphony and the Cinematic Symphony Orchestra, spearheaded by the visionary leader of all three groups, Dr. Andrew Keller, who serves as Founder and Music Director of the ensemble.

We believe that music written for media, including film, video games, TV, and anime,  is truly the classical music of the future. The PPO  is so pleased to be able to celebrate these genres with an equal amounts of excitement and passion in the concert hall, year-round!  Along with the VGS & CSO, many of the organization’s musicians enthusiastically perform in all three ensembles.

The PPO is an exciting new orchestra that is enriching the global artistic landscape and inspiring a new generation of musicians. This groundbreaking ensemble is one of the only professional-caliber orchestras in the world dedicated exclusively to the artform of media music.

As a registered nonprofit organization, the Press Play Orchestra aspires to not only bring this underappreciated genre of music to life in the concert hall, but to reach out and connect with members of the community–hosting engaging concerts and special events, collaborating with local education programs, and drawing new audiences into the rich and expressive realm of classical music.

Cleveland
19 News
Interview

Check out the co-founders of the Video Game Symphony talk about the creation of the organization and its mission in the following interview with Cleveland 19 News:

Leadership

At the heart of the Press Play Orchestra is a team of visionary leaders dedicated to bringing the power of music and media to life. Our leadership combines artistic expertise, organizational excellence, and a shared passion for storytelling to deliver unforgettable performances. Guided by a commitment to innovation and collaboration, the team ensures that every concert not only honors the legacy of cinematic soundtracks but also captivates audiences of all ages. Together, we are shaping a future where music transcends boundaries, connecting communities through the universal language of sound and imagination.

Founder, CEO, Music Director

Principal Conductor 

Andrew Keller, PH.D.

Andrew started the Press Play Orchestra with in September 2025, and has since served as the founding Music Director, as well as the CEO of the organization.

A lifelong musician, Andrew owes his entire professional career to film and video game music, as it was the iconic soundtrack to Titanic and other great soundtracks that inspired him to start learning piano, which eventually led to dreams of becoming a film composer. Before long, Andrew was writing deeply dramatic compositions that were clearly influenced by the memorable melodies, lush orchestration, and intense emotional imagery of film music and video game music.

Since then, Andrew has been privileged to serve as a Professor of Music at Kent State University, where he received his Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory and Composition in 2019.

Andrew is now beyond thrilled to be bringing his passion and expertise to the Press Play Orchestra, in turn fulfilling a longtime childhood dream to help celebrate and advance these incredibly underappreciated artforms.

As the PPO Music Director, Andrew has created a host of exclusive arrangements for the Press Play Orchestra, including the “To the Stars”  suite from Titanic and “To Zanarkand” from Final Fantasy X.

Andrew Perkins, M.S.A.
Andrew began studying piano at the age of 6 and clarinet at age 8. As a clarinetist and bass clarinetist, he has performed with numerous classical groups across Northeast Ohio, including the Medina Symphony, Cuyahoga Falls Community Band, Parma Symphony, Symphony West, the Video Game Symphony, and the Cinematic Symphony Orchestra. Andrew founded the Serenity Chamber Players in 2017 to provide free classical and sacred music performances of rare and reimagined repertoire. The ensemble has had the opportunity to perform concerts across Ohio and in other states, including Maryland, West Virginia, and Michigan. Andrew also serves as the music and choir director for his church in Broadview Heights, Ohio.

Andrew received his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Akron, and holds a Masters Degree in Accounting from the University of Connecticut. He is an active Certified Public Accountant in the state of Ohio, and currently serves as the treasurer for his church. Andrew lives in Parma with his wife Hannah, and his three boys. In addition to his passion for music, Andrew is an avid fan of professional darts and rugby, as well as all Cleveland sports.
Alanna Furst, M.M.

Alanna is a soprano and vocal teacher who is a lifelong resident of northeast Ohio.  She holds Master of Music degrees in Voice Performance and Choral Conducting, and has completed a significant amount of coursework in Music History and Music Education.  Over the last 15+ years, Alanna has done a little bit of everything as a musician — solo work, choral singing and conducting, college voice professor, new music, vocal chamber music, and ensemble administration.  

Alanna currently sings with the Video Game Symphony, Cinematic Symphony Orchestra, and Press Play Orchestra Choirs.  She is also proud to serve as the Choir Director for the Press Play Orchestra Choir.

Ashley Zendarski

Ashley Zendarski is a professional violinist who currently serves as the Press Play Orchestra concertmaster.  Classically trained with 20 years of experience, her performances offer a blend of technical excellence and heartfelt expression. Ashley currently performs with several different orchestras, including the PPO’s sister ensembles, the Video Game Symphony and Cinematic Symphony Orchestra. Ashley’s music has taken her overseas, performing with world-renowned artists such as Yundi Li, Alisa Weilerstein, Jason Alexander of Seinfeld, and more. She has performed at venues such as Severance Hall, Carnegie Hall in NYC, Beijing Performing Arts Center, Xinghai Concert Hall, and more.

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