
Since arriving in Auckland, 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. So if you’re one of the sceptical ones, here are seven reasons why you should go to a Candlelight concert in Auckland.
1. 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.
2. 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.
We’re talking tributes to rock legends from AC/DC to Red Hot Chili Peppers and Radiohead; pop stars like Adele, Tay Tay and Bruno Mars; plus absolute music icons of the movie industry including Joe Hisaishi.
3. 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.
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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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 Auckland has transformed a number of city venues into glowing live music venues, from St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity Cathedral to Auckland Baptist Tabernacle. The magic is not coming to a stop any time soon with plenty more concerts on the cards, including special-edition Candlelight concerts, open-air editions, new tribute performances in the pipeline and Candlelight Originals, which Australia has already gotten to experience with the candlelit performance by Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote.