This year, Leeds is being treated to a selection of Candlelight concerts that promise a spellbinding evening with live music in an atmospheric venue. If you’re looking to forget the world for a while, listen to some moving melodies and soak up the soft glow of candlelight then these mesmerising concerts will be right up your street. All you need to do is take a seat in one of Leeds’ architectural gems and prepare to be transported by the soothing sound of classical compositions, reimagined pop hits or movie soundtracks.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
If you’re a member of the Swifties group and can’t get enough of Tay Tay, then get your tickets now for an unforgettable perfomance at Leeds Minster. Can you imagine what Taylor Swift’s pop charts such as Bad Blood and You Need to Calm Down would sound like played by a string quartet? Come to Leeds Minster on March 24 to hear it for yourself.
We are all used to hearing Taylor Swift’s songs on streaming platforms in their original form. Listening to them being performed on string instruments in a candlelit setting is a unique way to continue to appreciate her artistry.
Candlelight: The Best of the Beatles
More unmissable Candlelight concerts are being performed at St. George’s Church on February 4. Rediscover the English rock band’s greatest hits from Strawberry Fields Forever to Let It Be in a unique place. If you are a Beatles fan, which is highly likely, Candlelight’s tribute to the Beatles will be an experience you won’t forget.
There are so many Beatles’ songs to choose from and filtering them down into a programme is no easy task. Candlelight has selected some fan favourites covering various stages in the band’s career. Travel back in time with the Liverpool String Quartet and be reminded of the Beatles’ musical achievements.
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
Are you struggling to come up with the perfect plan for Valentine’s Day? Candlelight’s got you covered. Before or after a romantic dinner with your significant other, come and listen to some love songs at Holy Trinity Church on February 11.
Everything about Valentine’s Day alludes to intimacy and a Candlelight concert is an incomparable setting for a magical evening. Sway to classics like “Love Theme” from Romeo and Juliet and “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca. Get ready for an enchanting night of sweetness and passion.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi
If you are not already familiar with the works of the Italian pianist, Ludovico Einaudi, you may have heard the music he wrote for the film Black Swan starring Natalie Portman. Although Einaudi is a classically trained pianist, he has experimented with different genres including folk music.
Candlelight is honouring his music at Leeds Minster on February 17 and March 15. Fionnula Ward will be tickling the ivories and playing his well-known pieces such as Divenire and Primavera.
Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
Celebrate the incredible talent of composer Hans Zimmer (February 23 and March 14) who knows how to breathe musical life into a scene. You’ll be mesmerised as you hear famous film scores like Pirates of the Caribbean, Sherlock Holmes, The Da Vinci Code and more played by a group of strings.
Listen to Zimmer’s award-winning scores as a talented string quartet recreates and transports you to the other worlds you’ve only seen on the screen. The candlelit setting at the Left Bank is spellbinding between the flickering wicks and transcendent performance.
A Tribute to Queen
Of course, if it’s euphoric hits you’re after then you could always go after a Crazy Little Thing Called Love and let yourself be rocked as you pay tribute to some of Queen’s anthems on February 23 and March 14.
Queen were known for their electrifying concerts and ability to get a crowd going. Candlelight’s tribute to Queen defamiliarises you with the classics you already know so well and presents them to you in a nuanced form. Surrounded by a sea of candles, songs like Love of my Life take you on an emotional journey.
Candlelight: The Best of Movie Soundtracks
Candlelight has compiled a programme of some of the most loved movie soundtracks to be performed at Holy Trinity Church on March 3. Relive the cinematic power of Jurassic Park, the playful score of Pirates of the Caribbean, and the sense of mystery embedded in Sherlock Holmes.