Posted by I have been in activities before that was done in a candlelight setting. Growing up in Manila, we have dined, played, and worked, under the flickering lights of candles. It was nothing solemn nor romantic, but rather due to practical reason as the electricity was out, and this was during the time of frequent power outages (known to us as rolling black outs) back in the1980’s-90’s. Recently, I was in another candlelight event, but this time it was different.
My wife and I attended a concert a few weekends ago. It was an intimate event as the venue was in a not-so-large hall that we were seated very close to the musicians. Moreover, it was in a unique candlelit setting. It’s part of the Fever Candlelight Concert series. Whoever thought of these kind of concerts is a genius.
The concert was held at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, a historic building in the heart of Des Moines. The place in itself added charm to the already magical event.
When we entered the ballroom where the concert would be performed, the ambiance was really amazing, almost entrancing. Candles everywhere! Hundreds of candles! And it was not because the electricity was out.
I couldn’t resist to take photos before the concert starts and before the people trickled in. We were among the first ones to be seated in the room.
I told my wife, it would have been better if they were actual candles with real flames, instead of the flameless candles. Maybe that’s the pyromaniac in me speaking. Though I don’t think real candles that many would be allowed for that would be a great fire hazard. Not to mention the intense amount of heat it would generate if it were real candles, which will be appropriate to its name “Fever” Concert Series.
The concert featured Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” played by an ensemble of a string quartet – 2 violins, viola, and cello.
As the four excellent young musicians played, we were mesmerized as we listened and journeyed through the four seasons via the descriptive and enchanting music of Vivaldi.
Here’s a short clip of the concert. (We were allowed to take photos and video on the last piece they played.)
It was really a wonderful concert. Bravo!
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Post Note: Bravo was the restaurant we went to after the concert.
(*photos and video taken with an iPhone)