Tonight was the opening day for TennoCon 2026. Kicking it off as it normally does, with an impressive display of community members and pros showing off their cosplaying skills. From an Ivara Protoframe, a beautiful Follie one (with a marriage proposal near the end of that show), a stunning Radiant Lotus cosplay, and many creative takes on existing characters and original ideas. But capping off the night of opening day was a new and experimental TennoConcert.
Last year’s concert was an all-out rock and roll show with some rap rock and metal thrown in. Not to mention the opening featuring the CEO of Digital Extremes, Steve Sinclair, and an awesome encore with the Audio Director, George Spanos, and Lead Sound Designer Erich Pestron. But this year’s TennoConcert was very different. It had some moments of last year’s rock and roll, but only in select songs. This year’s show was more of an opera and orchestra mix. But featuring the greatest hits of those types of songs in Warframe’s history, and even some Soulframe mixed in.
A Grand Opening for TennoCon 2026
As mentioned before, tonight’s concert was a pure orchestra and opera mix. There were performers and dancers in interesting attire and face paint to go alongside the music. The performers were skilled as they performed alongside each track. Whether it was during “Tethra Jahrak” from Isleweaver, the “No God Above Knowledge” in Whispers of the Walls, or “Roses from the Abyss” in The Old Peace, they were excellent.
The composer, Matthew Chalmers, was in his element, orchestrating wonderful vocal performances all night with everyone focused and bringing to life the music that has become a mainstay in Warframe’s history. It’s one thing to listen to the songs in-game or online; it’s another to witness it all come to life on the big stage in a live performance. They even brought in Taika drummers for certain tracks like “What is My Fate?” from Koumei and the Five Fates to add that little bit more of authenticity.
But what made TennoConcert 2026 so special to me was the inclusion of music from Soulframe. Both “Rivers of Dendria” and “Song of Waste” were performed flawlessly for thousands of Tenno online and in-person. Closing out with the iconic track “This is What You Are” before taking their leave for the night.
Simply put, this show honored both of Digital Extremes’ IPs in a way that let players live their memories in a beautifully composed symphony. It was a show worth watching live, and worth rewatching online.
