Candlelight: A new light on classical music, at stunning venues worldwide
By Malin Norman | Photos & Video: Candlelight® by Fever
On a mission to democratise classical music, Candlelight® was launched by Fever in 2019. The series of atmospheric concerts in one-of-a-kind venues has become a worldwide phenomenon.
Candlelight® is a series of classical concerts, but not as you know it. This is much more: immersive musical experiences in stunning backdrops await, with a new take on classical music performed by local musicians, and thousands of candles for a breathtaking effect.
The first Candlelight event took place in Madrid in 2019, organised by the world’s leading live discovery platform Fever. “There was a gap in the classical music scene. We saw that people were hesitant to attend concerts, perhaps expecting long performances with traditional music,” says Johanne Solbakk Raabe, team leader for the Nordics, Netherlands and the Baltics at Fever. “With Candlelight, we wanted to make classical music more approachable to different demographics around the world.”

From Vivaldi to Queen and Coldplay
With its shorter concerts, a wide network of stunning venues around the world, and amazing ambience created by thousands of candles, Candlelight has enchanted millions of visitors in more than 150 cities worldwide. The one-hour concerts feature works by composers such as Vivaldi, Mozart and Chopin, alongside new interpretations of songs by Queen, ABBA, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, plus film soundtracks and indie tributes.
The first concert in Mumbai, India, took place last year and was praised in the iconic music magazine Rolling Stone. Titled Best Movie Soundtracks, the concert featured a blend of contemporary film music in a classical context – and it did not disappoint. A feature following the event states: “By reimagining classical music in a contemporary setting and bringing it to new audiences around the world, Candlelight is breaking down barriers and making this traditionally reserved genre more accessible to all.“
The concept is classical music, but with a twist – to entice a broad audience. “In Amsterdam, I saw five cool guys in their mid 20s attend a Candlelight concert on a Saturday evening, perhaps not what you might expect,” says Solbakk Raabe. “And in Norway, I once saw an older gentleman at a tribute concert to Queen, listening to his favourite songs but in a classical format. It was amazing to see his emotional response.”

Autumn with Nordic legends and ABBA
Adaptation is essential to Candlelight’s global success, as each region has its cultural nuances, explains Fever’s team leader. “We strive to reflect these local preferences through our programming, such as Candlelight: Nordic Legends at Uranienborg Church in Oslo, Norway, where we shine the light on Nordic composers. And in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, we’ve adapted shows to be performed with traditional instruments from these cultures.”
A highlight this autumn is Candlelight Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Moltke’s Palæ in Copenhagen – a great entry point into classical music. A composition that most people recognise, even if only vaguely, it is one of Candlelight’s most timeless and universal offerings. And Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA, which takes place at Eric Ericsonhallen in Stockholm, is a sure hit.
Another not-to-be-missed autumn event is Candlelight: A Tribute to Hans Zimmer at Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski in Amsterdam, with iconic soundtracks from some favourite movies. In line with Candlelight’s mission to bring classical music beyond its traditional concert halls to unique places that form part of the city’s cultural heritage, this historic cinema provides an impressive backdrop, with a beautiful facade that blends styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau.

Captivating mix enchants diverse audience
Fever, the leading platform for live-entertainment and discovery globally, partners with venues and musicians locally to present Candlelight, the first Fever Original. “Unlike traditional classical performances, the musicians interact with the audience and share information about the composer, group or movie, which gives a sense of intimacy,” adds Solbakk Raabe. “With Candlelight, we’ve managed to capture a diverse audience, from children to elderly couples. What’s fantastic is the mix: a curated selection of songs, a spectacular venue, unmatched energy, and thousands of candles.”
For more information on this fresh spin on classical music performances, take a look at the website. Candlelight concerts are happening across the globe, year-round. Explore cities, venues, programmes, and genres to find the experience that perfectly matches your mood.

Scan Magazine readers get an exclusive 15% discount with the code SCANCDL15. The offer is valid until 31 December 2025, and may be used once per person, for a maximum of five tickets. Applicable only to customers in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Web: candlelightexperience.com
Facebook: Candlelight Concerts by Fever
Instagram: @candlelight.concerts
YouTube: @candlelight.concerts

