Candlelight Concerts to illuminate East Texas venues

Published 5:45 am Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Candlelight Concerts are a series of original music concerts created by Fever aimed at democratizing the access to classical music. This innovative format represents a unique live musical experience through a varied offer of programs to meet all tastes, played by local musicians, in emblematic venues, with the space and performers illuminated by thousands of candles. (Contributed Photo)

Liberty Hall in Tyler and The Reserve Event Center in Longview will be aglow with the enchanting lights of the Candlelight Concerts this fall, offering a captivating blend of classical and contemporary music.

The series, launched in 2019 by Fever, has quickly gained acclaim for its innovative approach to classical music, transforming performances with a warm, intimate atmosphere created by thousands of LED candles.

“The use of … LED candles enhances the classical music experience by creating a warm and intimate atmosphere in the venue,” said Hannah Pellouchoud, producer at Fever. “The soft, flickering light of the candles adds a magical touch, making the performance feel more immersive.”

On Sept. 12, audiences at The Reserve Event Center in Longview will enjoy Vivaldi’s Four Seasons alongside a tribute to Taylor Swift. Tyler will continue the series with the same tribute on Sept. 19 at Liberty Hall.

Organizers say the series brings a fresh perspective to beloved compositions, creating an environment that appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The program, initially focused on classical works by composers like Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, has since expanded to include themes and genres such as tributes to contemporary artists like Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran, as well as performances dedicated to movie soundtracks.



“Fever constantly strives to inspire our community with innovative experiences, creating new ‘Fever Original’ ideas that we know will be of interest to them,” Pellouchoud said. “Since we’ve started, we have brought Candlelight Concerts to more than 150 cities worldwide, having delighted millions of guests.”

Each concert is designed to highlight the elegance of classical pieces while celebrating contemporary hits. The musical program is developed based on recommendations from Fever’s Music Curation team, incorporating global metrics, audience feedback, and insights from musicians. The team selects talented local musicians, including those trained at conservatories and experienced with prestigious orchestras and chamber ensembles, ensuring high-quality performances.

“Setting up concerts with our unique lighting involves a few considerations. We use flameless LED candles, which ensure the safety of attendees and protect the historic venues we work in,” Pellouchoud said. “Our team arranges these candles thoughtfully to enhance the venue’s architecture and create a warm, intimate atmosphere. We also carefully select venues with excellent acoustics to ensure the best possible sound quality and comfort for both the audience and performers.”

A tribute to Coldplay will be held at The Reserve Event Center, located at 7725 US-259 in Longview, on Oct. 24, promising to deliver the band’s hits with a cozy ambiance. The Halloween-themed concert will embrace the season with a selection of classic spooky tunes. Tyler will continue the series with the same tribute on Oct. 30 at Liberty Hall, located on 103 E. Erwin St. in Tyler.

“When choosing the venue for the concerts, we take into account different criteria: its history and what it represents for the city, its location so that it is accessible to all, and more technical characteristics such as the acoustics of the room and lighting, for example,” Pellouchoud said. “Our venues stand out in their historic nature or singular character, spanning from modern rooftops with great views to iconic cathedrals and palaces.”

Notable venues have included the Atomium in Brussels, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Candlelight Concerts are not just about the music; they’re about creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The soft glow of the candles enhances the sensory experience of the audience, making each concert a unique event.

“We hope that Candlelight Concerts will significantly impact the local music scene and classical music appreciation by making classical music more accessible to a diverse audience,” Pellouchoud said. “Our goal is to democratize access to classical music and reach a wider audience that might not have considered attending a classical music concert before.”

To purchase tickets for the Tyler concerst, visit bit.ly/candlelightconcert_tyler; for tickets for the Longview concerts, visit bit.ly/candlelightconcert_longview.