Film scores have evolved into a celebrated art form, captivating audiences far beyond the screen. Concerts dedicated to the music of iconic films, directors, or franchises have become a beloved phenomenon, drawing us into the spellbinding world of soundtracks.
The magic of film music lies in its ability to elevate every moment. These melodies tap directly into our emotions, transforming scenes into unforgettable experiences. Tribute concerts featuring powerful and evocative scores from epic adventures, historical dramas, and breathtaking cinematic journeys offer a unique chance to relive those feelings in a way that’s immersive yet free of visual distraction.
Featured Candlelight soundtrack concert
Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
Whether you’re a die-hard anime fan or simply enjoy good sound storytelling, this next concert at St Andrew’s Parish Church is for you. Candlelight is paying tribute to one of the most notable living composers in the world, Joe Hisaishi.
Although he’s composed hundreds of works, he’s best known for his immense collaboration with Studio Ghibli, lending the music to iconic films in the likes of Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. Hisaishi’s eternal compositions develop characters and help us to become more engaged in the story’s plot. Now you’ll get to hear them in a new light, reimagined by a world class string quartet!
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in Dublin
Dublin boasts so many venues where film score enthusiasts can revel in the magic of cinematic music. The Candlelight Concerts series offers intimate performances in historic settings like St. Andrew’s Parish Church and the O’Reilly Theatre, featuring tributes to composers such as John Williams.
A film composer needs to understand that this is not music for its own sake, but it is music for a collaborative art.– Alan Silvestri
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
The Candlelight series pays tribute to all music genres, including film scores and soundtracks. Discover upcoming concerts here.
Film music holds a powerful role in shaping a viewer’s experience, particularly in genres like horror and action, where it often serves as a tool for foreshadowing. A rhythm, high-pitched note, or lively melody can hint at what’s to come—palpitating music signals the monster’s approach, while the iconic Mission Impossible theme heralds a swift, daring operation.
Beyond suspense, soundtracks and scores amplify dramatic effect by capturing complex emotions, recalling earlier scenes, and deepening our connection to characters. Imagine David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia without its bold opening overture or the iconic lift in Dirty Dancing without its exhilarating anthem—both moments would lose their magic.
A Fun Film Score Fact
Soundtracks are a very clever marketing tactic. For example, the repetitive lyrics, “If we met at midnight in the hanging tree”, of the song “The Hanging Tree” from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 1) are so catchy and memorable that they were used to promote the franchise.