Candlelight Concerts by Fever are rewriting the concert experience: from the intimate setting with candles covering the stage, to the engaging concept and the ability to bring drinks inside, it created a memorable event in a relaxed atmosphere.
Candlelight Concerts: Where Classical Music Feels Anything but Boring and Modern Music Sounds Classical
On Saturday, the 13th of July, with 26°C outside, I had reservations for a Candlelight Concert featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Fever in Helsinki! Why do I mention the temperature? Sunny days above 25°C are a BIG DEAL in Finland, and they are days you usually want to spend outside! But, when there are big happenings like this, you can always make exceptions. Anyway, before I continue, let me tell you why Fever Events, especially Candlelight Concerts, are trending worldwide.
Why Are Fever Candlelight Concerts Trending Worldwide?
FEVER events never disappoint. I have attended FEVER events before in Mexico (Van Gogh, The Immersive Experience) and London (Dopamine Land, A Multisensory Experience), and I knew Candlelight Concerts are trending these days. So when I saw they were coming to Finland, I had to give it a try.
Let’s start with the concept of Candlelight Concerts by Fewer: is there something more than just having the stage covered with candlelights?
Short answer: yes, there’s something more.
Breaking the “Boring” Concept of Classical Music Concerts
At the beginning of the concert, there was a small presentation about the Candlelight Concert, and a few instructions were given: no photos or videos are allowed, except during the last song, and flash must be off. Then the musicians came out and, guess what? They started talking to the audience! This pre-introduction to the Four Seasons was super cool. The four seasons were mentioned: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, and before playing each season, one of the musicians read a little story. This prelude was particularly engaging, so when the music started, you could easily capture the mood, atmosphere, and characteristics associated with each season through music. In my opinion, this small detail makes classical music more accessible, fun and enjoyable for everyone. Imagine being on a date and classical music is not your thing or you decided to bring your child (kids need to be 8+ years old) who has never heard of Vivaldi, kind of heard about the seasons of the year but nothing else. A brief introduction helps everyone, even if they are new to classical music.
Now imagine your son or daughter, or even a nephew, being a big fan of Coldplay and you take them to a Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Coldplay. Just before the concert starts, the musicians tell a short story about the band. This way, you can go with the flow, feel included, and enjoy modern music performed with classical instruments. Plus, you earn extra points for being a cool adult. Doesn’t that sound super cool already?
The Experience
The Candlelight Concert featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was held at Astoria Theatre on Iso Robertinkatu. It’s still in downtown Helsinki but a bit away from the more touristy parts of the city, yet on a very popular street. It was nice to walk from the hustle and bustle of central Helsinki to a quieter zone and step into a small but beautiful theatre.
While this might be different in other cities, the fact of not going to the traditional places to listen to classical music was also a cool part of the experience. In a way, it felt more relaxed!
The ambience
Do you remember I mentioned it was a “hot day”? There was a spot to get free cold water and a place to buy drinks. Does that sound normal for a concert? It might be, but what’s worth mentioning is a paper announcement that read, “You can take your drinks with you during the concert”! Really? You must admit this is different from other concerts where drinks are only available to enjoy before and during the break, and you usually rush and don’t really enjoy having them!
The Musicians
This might be because I was in the second row, but still, for me, it was fascinating:
The breathing of the violinists—yep, we could hear the deep breathing to play the perfect note, perfect to avoid moves while playing, and somehow communicating with the rest of the musicians.
The connection with the audience, but most importantly, the communication they had while playing and the smiles between the season or while the audience was clapping or when they knew they had played pecfectly. It was incredible to see it so close, and I’m pretty sure people in the back could also notice it. These guys known as the Bålter Quartet were having a good time, and they were giving us an awesome show!
The price of the tickets
Keep in mind that every concert and venue is different. For this concert, tickets were sold by section, and the venue opened 45 minutes before the scheduled time, so the first to arrive got the best seats. I was in the second row!
I’d say that the prices are quite accessible. For example, for the next Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Coldplay at Aleksanteri Teatteri in Helsinki on the 27th of July, tickets start at €14 in zone D, and the most expensive is €38 (Check the special discount below).
Dress code for the concert
I don’t remember seeing any specific dress code for the concert, but concerts often have an unspoken “dress code.” Whether it’s because Candlelight Concerts are more relaxed, people in Finland generally don’t overdress for events, or the weather playing its role, I noticed a wide range of attire. Some people wore formal suits, long dresses, and high heels, while others opted for t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers. I myself wore a short black dress with sneakers. Would I have worn the same to a concert at a different venue? No way! So, I’d say wear something that make YOU feel comfortable that suits the concert you’re attending and the venue where it’s held. This might be different in other cities or countries where etiquette plays a bigger role!
Which cities and what kinds of Candlelight Concerts are happening in Finland?
So far, the cities in Finland where you can enjoy the Candlelight Concerts are Helsinki and Turku. Check below for the concerts and save the dates!
Helsinki
- Aleksanterin Teatteri
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay – July 27th, from €14.00
- Candlelight: Ludovico Einaudi on Piano – August 9th, from €14.00
Turku
Åbo Svenska Teater
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen – September 25th, from €30.00
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay – September 25th, from €26.00
Turun VPK talo
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Vivaldi – October 19th, from €33.00
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift – October 19th, from €33.00
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen – December 7th, from €33.00
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay – December 7th, from €33.00
Highlights of the Concert
The musicians spoke in both English and Finnish, making it even more attractive for travelers who might stumble upon such a concert.
This, once more, can happen only in Finland, but when I went out of the concert, I saw 3 out of 4 musicians, and I couldn’t hold my emotion but to say, “very well played, guys, it was a very nice concert,” and ask them to take a picture with them. Then they nicely called the other musician to join, and we had a small conversation with them all and the best part: took a picture with them! (See the picture below)
Final words
I always like to share my honest review with you about the places I visit and the experiences I have, so here I go: visit the FEVER PAGE and check the next events in your city! If you see Candlelight Concerts or any other Fever event, choose one and go have fun! Enjoy something new, something different. I’m sure you will like them!
