These Spellbinding Candlelight Concerts Will Be Captivating Dublin This February

So February is nearly upon us: the month of love-declaring teddy bears, grand romantic gestures, winter’s bitter and often drawn-out goodbye, Chinese New Year (2022 is the year of the Tiger) and, of course, World Nutella Day. It’s also the month where Dublin will be treated to a brilliant variety of Candlelight concerts. Each one promising a memorable evening relaxing in the glow of candlelight while the live music washes over you and the stresses of the world wink out of existence for the night. Looking for romance? You’re covered. Can’t get enough of Taylor Swift? Fever are way ahead of you. Fancy yourself a film buff? You’ll be in your element here.

1. Candlelight: Rock Classics on Strings – February 1, 9 and 15

Kicking things off on February 1, Rock Classics on Strings is a heaven for fans of iconic bands such as The Beatles, Nirvana and Queen. This riveting night will be a celebration of the legendary rock hits that have seen us letting our hair down and singing along at the top of our lungs over the years. This time you’ll get to hear them in a totally unique way; performed by a string quartet in a stunning restored 18th-century church that is now home to Pearse Lyons Distillery. Picture it now: you sink into a seat with a glass of whiskey in hand, take in the stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings, then your eyes land on the candlelit musicians and your ears are blessed with songs such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Eleanor Rigby.

2. Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay – February 3

And it was all yellow…the glow of candlelight that is, the venue itself is more of a concoction of crisp white walls with golden detailing and dark wooden features. This Coldplay Candlelight concert will be lighting up the hallowed halls of St. Andrew’s Church on February 3, its 19th-century architecture making for a striking backdrop where the flickering light illuminates marble columns and biblical paintings. You can take a seat on one of the carved oak pews and be treated to the familiar hits of Coldplay, performed by pianist Fionnuala Moynihan. Prepare to be whisked away to Paradise as the evening unfolds.

3. Candlelight: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & More ft. Ballet – February 4 & 8

Fall under the bewitching spell of the tale of Swan Lake, lose yourself in powerful music and be swept away by the elegant moves of ballerinas at this captivating concert. Taking place at The O’Reilly Theatre,  this will be a night of ballet and classical music that will charm even the most cynical among us. In a fascinating fusion of graceful talent – the string quartet with their sweeping bows and the professional ballerinas with their soft leaps and pirouettes – the story of Swan Lake will unfold before you, punctuated with the sounds of Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and other romantic masterminds.

4. Candlelight: A Tribute to Daft Punk – February 5 & 21

Unique just about sums it up when it comes to this Candlelight concert: classical instrumentals recreate the famous music of French duo Daft Punk. After the sad announcement of the band’s separation, Fever thought it was only fitting to pay tribute to one of the most influential acts in dance music history. On February 5 and 21, the sounds of Daft Punk will be spilling from the doors of The Round Room at Mansion House, just with one significant change – they will be performed by a string quartet. You don’t need to get lucky to bag a seat at this epic evening, you just need to make sure you get a ticket before they sell out faster than a bass drop.

5. Candlelight: Movie Soundtracks of John Williams & More – February 6

Aside from Jeff Goldblum’s legendary smouldering pose and, yeah, I guess the giant dinosaurs, Jurassic Park is famous for its epic theme tune that perfectly reflects the awe of its protagonists when they first lay eyes on the brachiosaur. You can thank the genius composer John Williams for that, and for many more iconic scores including Jaws (duhh dum – enough said), Star Wars (the booming brass was fittingly referred to as war drums in the script) and Harry Potter (we’d recognise the twinkling notes of Hedwig’s Theme anywhere). Now, you can indulge your nostalgic side listening to these classic movie soundtracks at The Round Room At Mansion House, where a string quartet will bring them to life; instantly transporting you to the first moment you saw the film. It’s not just John William’s works either, as tracks by other acclaimed composers such as Hans Zimmer will also make an appearance.

6. Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift – February 7

If you’re a Swiftie with a blank space in your calendar on February 7 then this is just the thing to fill it. This Candlelight concert will celebrate the chart-topping hits of songwriting star Taylor Swift in The O’Reilly Theatre. You’ll be able to hear tracks such as Shake It Off, All Too Well, Wildest Dream and Cardigan in an entirely new way: performed by a string quartet who are illuminated only by a sea of glowing candles. As they play you’ll no doubt be reciting the undeniably catchy lyrics in your head and blissfully enjoying the familiar melodies; this is truly the perfect way to pay tribute to the Grammy award-winning singer and will leave you thoroughly enchanted.

7. Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works – February 10

When it comes to film scores, Hans Zimmer is basically a household name. The German composer has blessed us with wonderfully emotive and tension-building soundtracks for blockbusters such as Pirates Of The Caribbean, Interstellar, Sherlock Holmes and Inception. If you’re looking to put your film score knowledge to the test or just simply bask in the brilliance of Hans Zimmer, then this Candlelight concert may be just the place. Coming to St. Andrew’s Church in Dublin on February 10, Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works will plunge you right into the world of film as his greatest works are performed by a brilliant string quartet who are encircled by dancing candlelight. See how quickly you can name them: after the first couple of notes or do you need to wait a little longer?

8. Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special ft. “Romeo and Juliet” and more – February 14

We’re no stranger to the concept of a candlelit dinner on Valentine’s Day but this year why not mix it up a little? This Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special is a candlelit concert featuring all your classical romantic favourites, from Clair De Lune to Moon River. This is the perfect way to spoil your loved one: whisk them away to the historic Round Room at Mansion House – a place that has welcomed kings, queens, princesses and popes – where the spherical space will be bathed in the glow of hundred of softly glowing candles. There, you can take a seat and listen to famous compositions from Shakespearean love stories and classic films. Everyone is sure to leave arm-in-arm and even more lovestruck than before.