[Standard] A compilation of popular songs recommended for award ceremonies [Classical / BGM]

Olympus ColiseumShimamura Yōko

Olympus Coliseum (The Shining Summit)

This is one of the pieces from the Kingdom Hearts series composed by Yoko Shimomura.

It’s a track set in the world of Disney’s Hercules, characterized by a grand, orchestral sound.

It was first released on the soundtrack of the original Kingdom Hearts in 2002.

The music expresses themes of battle and heroism, with a rhythmic and powerful melody that heightens the tension of combat scenes.

Although it is an instrumental piece with no lyrics, its energetic music boosts the player’s excitement and enhances immersion in the game.

It’s a piece that conveys courage and glory, making it suitable even for ceremonial or celebratory occasions.

TOKYO 2020 Victory CeremonySatō Naoki

Tokyo 2020 – Naoki Sato – Medal Ceremony Music

This is a piece we heard often during the still-fresh-in-our-memory Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The opening evokes the start of a story, the middle builds weight as layers of sound are added one after another, and the majestic finale surges forward, bringing back memories of that hot, moving summer of 2020.

The composer, Naoki Sato, has scored numerous TV dramas and films, and won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music for Always: Sunset on Third Street.

With that in mind, it feels like this single track also contains a drama of its own.

If you’re ever unsure, pick this one—it’s a truly recommended track.

Behold, the hero returns.Georg Friedrich Händel

Handel: Oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, Act III — “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes”

When people hear “the awards ceremony song,” many probably think of this piece.

Played at sports days and a variety of award presentations, it was composed by George Frideric Handel in the 1740s.

In fact, the piece originally appears in the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, where it is used in a scene celebrating victory in a struggle for kingship.

It’s a work whose background perfectly suits award ceremonies, and its melody also conveys a dignified, stately character.

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Hane Keisuke

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Chariots of FireVangerisu

Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire

Chariots of Fire is a truly grand-scale film that won Best Picture at the 54th Academy Awards.

It portrays the lives of two real-life runners—Eric, who runs only for God, and Harold, who seeks to affirm his own existence through running—moving many viewers with its human drama.

Even if the title of the main theme, Titles, doesn’t ring a bell, once you hear it you’ll think, “Oh, that song!” For clarity, I’m referring to it here simply as Chariots of Fire.

It’s a great fit not just for sports award ceremonies, but also as BGM for sports events and closing ceremonies.

Vangelis’s piano layered over electronic sounds builds to a stirring climax in the latter half!

Thus Spoke ZarathustraRihyarto Shutorausu

Richard Strauss Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Op. 30 – I. Introduction

You know those songs you’ve definitely heard but can’t name? One classic example might be Richard Strauss’s “Also sprach Zarathustra.” The moment you hear it, you’ll recognize it—it’s a staple you hear all the time at school sports days.

Many people will know it as the opening theme of the film “2001: A Space Odyssey” or from the commercial for Pucchin Purin.

It’s a great choice when you want to give an awards ceremony a mystical atmosphere.

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yamamoto

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The Royal Capital — Majestic and DignifiedSakuraba Motoi

Tales of Orchestra 20th anniversary – Royal Capital ~Majestic Grandeur~

The piece composed by Motoi Sakuraba is characterized by its grand orchestral sound.

Depicting the royal capital within the game, this work leaves a strong impression with its majestic atmosphere and dignified melody, instilling a sense of authority and prestige in listeners.

Released alongside the game in 2009, it gained popularity among fans and was performed at the series’ 25th anniversary concert.

In 2021, it was used during the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, showcasing the excellence of Japanese video game music to the world.

Used as an awards ceremony piece or an entrance theme, it’s sure to instantly elevate the atmosphere of any event.

Symphonic Poem “Hope” Fifth Movement: Lord of Hope ~ RefrainHakasé Tarō

Symphonic Poem “Hope” Fifth Movement: Lord of Hope ~ Refrain

This piece by Taro Hakase was created as part of a five-movement suite with a grand narrative.

Centered on an emotionally rich violin performance, the music highlights the theme of hope and moves listeners.

It features a fusion of classical and pop styles, with an epic quality reminiscent of film and video game scores.

Included on the album Symphonic Poem “Hope,” released in March 2006, it was also used in the promotion of the video game Final Fantasy XII.

It’s a perfect track for award ceremonies or as background music for moving scenes.