Since arriving in 2020, Candlelight concerts have invited thousands of Melburnians to relive some of history’s greatest compositions at some of the city’s most magical and stunning locations including The Athenaeum, St James’ Old Cathedral and the Meat Market in North Melbourne. The concerts, which have basked audiences in the glow of hundreds of candles and wowed, are not stopping any time soon.
In fact, the light is spreading to new venues in the city and beyond with upcoming concerts to take place at the Old Melbourne Gaol as well as at the gorgeous St George’s in East Ivanhoe.
Take a peep at all of Melbourne’s Candlelight concerts here.
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St George’s East Ivanhoe
When the sun sets on St George’s East Ivanhoe, the last rays filter through the expansive windows and shine golden-bright on the exposed brick walls of the interior. It’s a gorgeous sight and one that will be recreated with the glow of hundreds of candles for two Candlelight concerts in May.
Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” will be the first sounds to soar through the air, from the trill of birds to the suffocating heat and icy winds defeated by the crackle of fireplaces. Vivaldi’s four violin concertos portraying the seasons are, across all time, some of the most extravagant examples of narrative music that exist. They never tire nor get old, and they always astound.
From extravagant to exceptional, St George’s plays host to a tribute to The Beatles on String. “Maybe I’m Amazed” but when it comes to The Beatles there’s “Something” that I just can’t “Imagine” missing, no matter if I’ve had “A Hard Day’s Night” or “Yesterday” was “times of trouble”. You’ll want to sit back, relax and take in all of The Beatles when Eclective Strings reminisces through their greatest and most treasured hits.
Old Melbourne Gaol
During its time, the Old Melbourne Gaol saw plenty of hangings. Its history is grim and dark, but it’s not the place it used to be and come May, the gaol’s walls will be flickering with the light of hundreds of candles for nights of music.
The first Candlelight concert will feature the Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks performed by Invictus Quartet. The string quartet will be reimagining musical scores from our most beloved animated as well as fantastical films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, My Neighbour Totoro and The Lion King.
Candlelight takes place twice each night with two 60-65 minute performances. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show to allow people to gather, sit and be enveloped in the atmosphere created by all the flickering candled before the musicians step out onto the stage. Please note that for the safety of the audience and performers, all of the candlelight will be provided through flameless candles.