With its sea of candles, exceptionally-talented musicians and wide-ranging selection of concerts, Candlelight enchants and enthralls audiences all year round. But as the months slowly start to get warmer again, there’s just a little something extra in the air that will transform these nights out into unforgettable live-music experiences. First-rate musicians will give you their take on chart-topping hits by influential contemporary artists and revisit classics by timeless composers in the likes of Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi.
This autumn, the 19th-century Wesley Church is providing a gorgeous setting for Candlelight to work its magic in. Whether on your own, with a mate, a group of friends, or a special someone, there’s a Candlelight concert to entertain everybody. Take a look below to see what’s coming up and which Candlelight concert will move you this upcoming season.
Featured Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
Wesley Church will be covered in candles soon for a captivating tribute guided by some of Queen’s greatest hits. Discover what happens when the British band’s heavy metal and progressive rock tracks meet the classical form. A Vivid Strings Quartet will take to the candlelit stage to perform awe-inspiring renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, “Killer Queen”, and more. Don’t miss out on this mesmerising performance that will rock you with a traditional twist.
Upcoming Candlelight Concerts in Wellington
Candlelight Information
The atmosphere of hundreds of candles is a wondrous spectacle that amplifies the live-music experience. And, for the length of the 60-65 minute performance, the candle-music combo creates a parallel realm where audiences are carried away by each and every note played.
So far, thousands of candles have lent their gentle glow to Wellington’s sensational Candlelight concerts and the greatest works of classical music as well as legendary jazz, rock, pop and film classics have been performed in the flickering light.
Intimate and extraordinary atmospheres will continue to be created at some of the city’s most beautiful and unique venues, but one of the recurring questions regarding Candlelight is, What do you wear to Candlelight?
The simple answer is that Candlelight has no dress code and there is no obligation to dress up in your finest attire—it’s not the opera. However, to save you from any drama, then think smart-casual with an emphasis on being comfortable, clean and relaxed.
Candlelight Reviews
Candlelight has been met with countless 5-star reviews since arriving in Wellington. Guests have said that the evenings are “a creative, enchanting, and new concert experience” and that “the performers were fantastic!”
“Truly Magical Experience. The music is beautiful and the dancers are mesmerizing. Highly recommend this experience.” – Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & More ft. Ballet
“I loved the solemn atmosphere of the event tonight. Loved all the songs they played. Will definitely recommend it to my friends.” – Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks
“Beautiful, mesmerising, stunning, wonderful. An absolutely amazing experience that everyone should enjoy!” – A Tribute to Queen
“The ambiance was amazing as wells as the string quartet. I really didn’t know what to expect but I was thoroughly impressed and blown away. I loved it.” – Best of Joe Hisaishi
“Great evening, lovely voices, lots of fun, thank you” – Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday & More
“100% worth it! Beautiful venue, beautiful music, what a great experience!” – Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
Give the Gift of Candlelight
The Candlelight gift card is the gift of a candlelit, live-music experience. They’re immensely popular and are capable of captivating all thanks to the broad range of genres that Candlelight celebrates. Whether the gift card is for a mate, a date, or for the family, they’ll be sure to find a concert that shines bright and catches their eye now or in the new year.
Typically, there are two Candlelight concerts every evening, an early and a later session, which gives audiences ample choice and opportunity to experience music by Candlelight the way they would like to. It also gives audiences plenty of time to go out for dinner before or after and make the night more of a memorable experience.
With tributes to some of the most influential artists from nearly every musical genre, Candlelight is a night out that anyone can enjoy. So, sit back, relax and let the power of music wash over you!
Please note: For the safety of performers and the audience, all of the candlelight will be provided through flameless candles.