Candlelight Sessions at Delapré Abbey

After an extra special, unique event to impress your loved ones? Candlelight Concerts make for an evening to remember, as Pulse writer Emma-Rose Norris found out last month when visiting Northampton’s historic Delapré Abbey.

If you’re not sure what a concert by candlelight entails, think serene surroundings bathed in the warm glow of flickering candlelight – Fever’s Candlelight Concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Candlelight began by making the finest works of classical music accessible to all, and today this remains their mission. Thus, you’ll always find tributes to renowned classical composers, as well as film composers like Hans Zimmer and Joe Hisaishi, on rotation. However, these Candlelight evenings have now expanded, and you can experience programmes dedicated to the likes of Rihanna, Oasis, the Jackson 5, Taylor Swift as well as other unforgettable tributes that are being continually added to its already vast and impressive repertoire.

 My Experience

On a particularly chilly evening early in November, we took a trip to Northampton’s heritage treasure – Delapré Abbey – located just a mile or so from the town centre. On this particular evening the Orangery (which by day is a cosy café nestled in this building brimming with history) had been transformed into a romantic candlelit heaven. As an avid rock ran, I had opted to treat my partner to a memorable experience listening to a ‘Tribute to Queen,’ played harmoniously by String Quartet. After a warm welcome from all of the lovely staff at Delapré’s bar, we sipped on a cocktail in the conservatory area before we took our seats as, as soon as you step foot through the doors, your vision is plunged into near-darkness.

It’s fair to say that the musicians who make Candlelight concerts possible are true professionals – before each song they give you a piece of history related to the band which, when looking around, seemed to be news to even the most avid fans of Queen. It was evident that our string quartet were seasoned pros – they truly thrilled with their technique and passion for the music. Bohemian Rhapsody, Love of My Life and Don’t Stop Me Now were just some of the fan-favourites that were reimagined in their spectacular hour-long tribute on this evening.

With mesmerising music from some of the greatest contemporary composers and artists, you are guaranteed to be left completely enamoured; all you have to do is take your seat, sit back in the serene surroundings of a venue bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight, and enjoy.

These stunning concerts by Candlelight are lighting up architectural gems across cities all around the world, so head to their website for the next events in Northampton, or near you!