Dinner and a show. A night at the movies. They’re all missing that little something that Candlelight Concerts have in spades… ambience. If you’re after a night of excellent music in some of Brisbane’s most elegant buildings, keep reading for our recommendations.
CANDLELIGHT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS
Middle-earth is coming to Brisbane. Watch as Saint John’s Anglican Cathedral descends into a glowing, candlelit tribute to The Lord of the Rings, with the iconic film score performed live on strings. From the thunderous intensity of the Battle of Helm’s Deep to Gandalf’s goosebump-inducing “You Shall Not Pass” moment, this is the music that made the films legendary. Surrounded by thousands of flickering candles inside one of Brisbane’s most breathtaking cathedrals, it’s your chance to relive the magic, drama and adventure… no long walk to Mordor required. Tickets are right here.
CANDLELIGHT: TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT
Missed the Era’s Tour? This candlelit concert will be a fraction of the price and a whole lot more intimate as the Tribute to Taylor Swift show is hosted in Grand on Ann. Led by a string quartet and playing some of her best tunes like ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ and ‘August’, it’s guaranteed to be one hell of a night for the Swifties. Grab your tickets here.
CANDLELIGHT BALLET: TCHAIKOVSKY’S SWAN LAKE & MORE
St John’s Cathedral is throwing open its (very grand) doors for a seriously enchanting night of ballet. This spellbinding performance brings iconic Tchaikovsky moments from Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker to life. Watch as three ballet dancers glide and twirl through beloved scenes accompanied by the talented musicians of the Chromatica Ensemble. Equal parts elegant, atmospheric and pinch-me magical, it’s one for your Brisbane cultural hit list. Tickets are here.
CANDLELIGHT: THE WORLD OF JOE HISAISHI
All our anime watchers, this one’s for you! Childhood classics and triumphs of animated storytelling the likes of Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbour Totoro are often remembered best by their iconic themes, which you can now experience live thanks to Candlelight’s Chromatica quartet. Romantic, moving, and deeply beautiful, this one’s on our to-watch lists. Check out all the details here.
CANDLELIGHT: BEST OF BRIDGERTON ON STRINGS
If you’re not already eagerly awaiting the next season of Bridgerton, gentle reader, what are you doing? Candlelight has been captivating millions of fans worldwide and is finally making its grand return to Brisbane with the Paradiso Strings Quartet! Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, listen to your favourite melodies from Shondaland’s hit series on Netflix, reimagined by a talented string ensemble. Will you be among society’s most fortunate to attend? Snatch those tickets here.
Now that’s just the tip of this sonically gorgeous iceberg… Candlelight has a slew of shows that happen year-round and special events that you’d be better off keeping an eye out for. You can have a stalk on their website here.