On Saturday, Feb. 22, Monmouth Center for the Arts hosted A Tribute To Coldplay by the Monmouth String Quartet in Pollak Theatre. This was not just any musical performance where the entire auditorium goes dark. Candlelights are all around the audience and the musicians to illuminate the music being played by the three violins and a single cello. The entire show lasted just one hour, with the quartet’s song selection featuring Coldplay’s hits, opening with the 2003 Grammy-award-winning song “Clocks” and ending with “A Sky Full of Stars.” They even performed “Viva La Vida,” which also won Grammys in 2008, as their encore.
According to Amanda Boucault, Senior PR & Communications Coordinator for Candlelight Concerts, these performances really are a sensation across the globe with a fine musical selection. “Candlelight is renowned for its extraordinary venues, diverse musical programs, collaboration with local talent, and commitment to delivering high-quality performances,” Boucault said, “Our concerts take place in remarkable settings worldwide, from historic cathedrals to iconic palaces to modern rooftops and serene gardens, all illuminated by thousands of candles to create an unforgettable atmosphere.”
The performances take place in all of these different venues to bring not just music, but vibrant light, to life. The music and light not only sell tickets but standing ovations from the audience. The wide-ranging musical genres of their performances from artists like Queen, Ed Sheeran, movie soundtracks, and even world-renowned classical artists bring in audiences with all different tastes. What makes these performances extremely popular is the tickets are relatively affordable, the weekend availability, and the ambiance being surrounded by just the candlelight.
To elaborate on Candlelight’s mission, Bouchault expressed again on behalf of the program, “We also tailor our events to local audiences with tributes to beloved local artists and special themed shows-such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas.” They also hire and support local talented musicians who have the same artistic vision of making classical music an experience for all to share.
By that mission, Candlelight reviews everything from not just what happens in the show, but what the audience thinks about the show, and that means a lot to them when they get such positive feedback online from the crowd in West Long Branch. To allow for the audience’s complete enjoyment of the experience, the musicians asked everyone to not take videos until the finale, and they would not even allow flash photography since it would be disturbing to them and everyone else, no different from any other stage show.
How you buy the tickets is unique, and you have to make the transaction on Fever, on the app or website by visiting “feverup.com.” There are three zones to pick from, all sold at different prices, so if you plan to go to a Candlelight Concert in the future, get them before they’re gone.
This was the second Candlelight Concert event hosted by Monmouth, as the first was in January, which featured selections from Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings. The next Candlelight event is on Saturday, Mar. 22, which will feature the selection of songs from movie music composer, Hans Zimmer. It would be a great opportunity to hear great music getting back from spring break, just like it was this past Saturday. If you’re the type of person who appreciates the musical quality of a classical arrangement, then this experience is definitely for you.
