Since arriving in Sydney, Candlelight has lit up some of the city’s most unique and iconic venues with the glow of thousands of candles. And although it has been immensely popular and continues to charm its regulars, we know that there are still plenty of people that think Candlelight isn’t for them.
It might be the music, it might be the candles. It might be that they think the music-candle combo feels like a strictly romantic evening and romance is dead to them. But while there is some truth to the love-is-in-the-air feeling when candles light up a space, Candlelight is by no means only for starry-eyed lovers.
In fact, the majority of people who go to Candlelight do so with a good mate, in a group of friends, or with family. Some people even go on their own because you really don’t need anyone else to experience an hour of beautiful live music. And there’s more than just classical music on offer.
So, if you still haven’t experienced the phenomenon lighting up cities around the world, we’ve come up with seven reasons why you should definitely give Candlelight a go—from the music selection to the atmosphere to the ticket prices.
1. The Atmosphere
Candles. Hundreds of them, sometimes thousands, enough to create a glowing stage and a sea of light encircling the musicians and swaying as if dancing to the notes being played. It’s enough to transform any venue into a wondrous spectacle and to elevate the ambience to dreamy new heights. It’s a sight to behold.
When was the last time you saw hundreds of candles light up the night?
2. The Musicians
As hands move over keys, bows glide over strings and fingers pluck notes, a rich tapestry of sound emerges to envelop and enchant audiences. The music pulls them in and lifts their hands up to their mouths in awe.
This is no joke. It happens on the regular thanks to the very legit musicians performing at Candlelight. From years of study to spending 10,000 hours perfecting their technique and then performing across the country in orchestras, for dignitaries, and at special events, the classically-trained musicians are at the top of their game. They are truly mesmerising.
The only Candlelight concert that steps away from classically-trained musicians is Candlelight Jazz. They feature jazz bands because, well, jazz just hits differently.
3. Music Played Classically
Where Candlelight truly shines a new light on music is when the musicians take their talent, skill and expertise in reimagining chart-topping hits and the music of triple-platinum artists. Gone is the production element and from behind the studio effects, your favourite songs resound as you’ve never heard before.
The range, dynamism and timbre of the string quartets astound even the most classically-adverse listener. The piano lulls audiences into a trance and other groupings—in duos, trios or orchestras—combine to spellbind listeners as hundreds of candles flicker and music reverberates.
We’re talking tributes to rock legends from The Beatles to Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd; pop stars like Tay Tay and Coldplay; plus absolute icons of the industry such as Queen and Whitney Houston!
We can’t stop wondering who will get the Candlelight treatment next.
4. The Stories
One thing previous audiences have treasured about their Candlelight experience is finding out new facts and information direct from the performers. Whether it be about the song they’re about to hear—like the instructions that Vivaldi wrote as a part of Four Seasons—or a piece of history regarding the venue, Candlelight makes every effort to entertain.
You never know what you might learn about the artist, the music or the venue.
5. Ticket Prices
Candlelight is for everybody. It’s why there are multiple ticket types available because although the best seats in the house can get quite pricey, there will generally be others for less than half that price.
Really, at Candlelight it’s possible to treat yourself to a night of live music performed by some of the city’s best classical musicians in a sensationally illuminated venue for around $30. All things considered, it’s pretty much a bargain.
6. Classical Music
Candlelight began with the greatest works of classical music but its glow has spread across the musical landscape to cover jazz, rock, pop, dance and more, like film scores from famed movie composers.
However, Candlelight always comes back to classical because when it comes to the music of Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Beethoven, there is just a je ne sais quoi feeling that envelops you. Perhaps it’s because their music has been around forever, or it has the capacity to stir up deep-seated feelings, or the power to calm or to excite, or for the fact that you’ve most certainly heard them all before without knowing you know them.
We don’t know exactly. We’re no classical music experts. But, what we do know is that classical music by Candlelight is a killer combo and one that not only continues to enchant audiences around the world, but one that also opens up centuries-old cultural experiences to new audiences.
7. Candlelight Reviews
If you’re still not convinced, then hear it from people who have been to Candlelight.
Beautiful night. Sensational. What a stellar performance.
The experience allowed me to begin to appreciate the unfathomable beauty of the world of music.
I cannot stop raving to all my friends!!!! I am definitely attending another of these Candlelight music experiences!
Fantastic atmosphere, great musicians and superb renditions.
Candlelight in Sydney
Candlelight in Sydney has transformed a number of city venues into glowing live music venues, from the Sydney Masonic Centre to St Stephen’s Uniting Church. With new concerts and new venues being added to Candlelight every season, you can expect the sensational series of concerts to stick around. You may as well experience it for yourself.