.

.

Candlelight:
Best of Hans Zimmer
@ Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne,
11th May 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Stephanie Tang

.

.

Fever promises you’ve never experienced live music like this. Candlelight programs varying from Hans Zimmer to Ed Sheeran, Studio Ghibli and Pink Floyd, Fever is not genre discriminating. These unique performances have enchanted cities across the world, and now Melbourne plays host. Held in historic and stunning locations across the country, enjoy classics as you’ve never heard them before.

As Autumn’s chill wraps around Melbourne, how delightful it is walking into the warmth of the Athenaeum Theatre. Tonight’s repertoire is the best of multi-Oscar and Grammy winner, Hans Zimmer. Having produced and scored nearly all major films you could think of Zimmer has played a part in soundtracking Lion King, Dune, The Dark Knight, and Pirates of the Caribbean to name a few.

Candles (LED for safety) cover the stage, and line the aisles all the way to the highest rows.  A soft fiery glow reflects off the dark wood panelled walls. There is a hushed excitement as guests are directed to their seats. There didn’t seem to be allocated seats, only areas so come early if you want to sit closer to the stage. Though due to the height, even the furthest seats gave a clear view of the stage.

Spire Quartet are the ones serenading us tonight with a heady combination of sweeping violins, bright viola and smooth cello. Launching into “The Pirates of the Carribean Medley”, the crowd is lost in the dynamic sounds of oscillating violins. So sharp and clear is the sound it is as if you were on the pirate ship with swishing swords and roaring seas around you.

As the night progresses, you are taken from moments of suspense to free spirited glory in “Gladiator”, sombre battle preparation in “The Last Samurai” and chilling fear in “Dune”. With strings wound so tight, like threads in a coiled rope twisting and twisting, until the suspense is so thick it snaps. With the last bow, everyone breathes a sigh of relief, followed with rounds of applause for having been taken directly into the world of “Dune”.

Keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, Spire Quartet launches into “Discombobulate – Sherlock Holmes”. A gothic, sulky track with a hint of madness that feels even madder with the waving flames bending around your periphery.

With each announcement of the next songs to follow, the audience cheers and settles in their seats more. The announcement of Marvel “The Dark Knight” and “Wonder Woman” receives whoops and encouragement. “Cornfield Chase – Interstellar” was the clear favourite of the night with cheers before and after.

Forget what you know about classical music. Gone are the rules of dress code, knowledge of the arts and level of wealth to enjoy classical music. These series of candlelight concerts are for everyone. It is about making classical music accessible and relatable. Tonight, the attendees ages range from school children to retirees, with majority of the crowd in their late 30’s.

Technique is what takes a good classical performance to great, and tonight Spire Quartet was super great. Not only were they engaged with each other as an ensemble, but also connected with the songs they were playing. They clearly looked like they were having fun tonight and encouraged the audience to do so too.

Spirits within the theatre were so high, that an encore was performed. A reworked medley of “The Pirates of the Caribbean”, to end the set. To delighted applause and cheers the night came to an end.

Even if you don’t know the songs, the beauty of classical music is that there are no words. You make up the story based on the sounds you hear and emotions you feel. From pop to rock, film soundtracks and even anime there is sure to be a candlelight concert for you.

.

.

Follow CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS
Instagram

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB