Known for its historic buildings and significant landmarks including a medieval castle, Rochester is visited by thousands of sightseers every year as they come looking to learn more about England’s rich history. Thanks to the enchanting Candlelight series now illuminating Rochester, locals and visitors alike have been dazzled by the magic of spellbinding musical performances and a sea of flickering candles in one of the most historic towns in the UK.
The memorable Candlelight series kicked off with a sensational tribute to Taylor Swift. A sea of twinkling candles lit up the iconic Rochester Corn Exchange, a remarkable venue boasting an incredible level of grandeur, while a string quartet performed spellbinding renditions of the superstar’s biggest hits. The charming concerts continue with tributes to Tay Tay but now also include homages to Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer and classical master, Vivaldi.
Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift
Get ready to “Shake It Off” at this stunning Candlelight tribute to Miss Swift heading to Rochester Corn Exchange this June. A talented string quartet is set to take to the stage inside this iconic venue to put a classical twist on Tay Tay’s biggest hits including “Love Story,” “Cardigan” and “Blank Space.” As you unwind in this calming candlelit space, you’ll hear how the iconic melodies of these songs and more sound when played on violins, a viola and a cello. Swifties won’t want to miss this enchanting evening of live music that’s primed to be as magical as your “Wildest Dreams.”
Candlelight Tribute to Hans Zimmer
If you’re a die-hard film buff, this summer you can relive some of the most iconic scenes in film history at the historic Rochester Corn Exchange at a spellbinding Candlelight tribute to the legendary film composer, Hans Zimmer. The German composer has scored over 150 films and has two Oscars and four Grammys under his belt. Catch some of his best work, including themes from Inception, The Lion King, Interstellar, Gladiator, and many more. The iconic scores will be performed live by a talented string quartet, as they’re surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles.
Candlelight Rochester: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Widely recognised as one of the greatest, if not the most, pieces of narrative compositions, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons takes listeners on an extraordinary journey. Landscapes across spring, autumn, winter and summer are rendered in enough vivid musical detail to captivate audiences, allowing them to bring scenes to life in their imagination. Fires during winter hiss, crackle and pop; dogs bark in autumn and the harvest is merry; the stifling summer heat breaks for a storm and birds in spring chirp new life. It’s more than likely you’ve heard parts of Vivaldi’s masterpiece before, but it’s beauty never tires or gets old.
Rochester Corn Exchange
Steeped in 18th-century history, Rochester Corn Exchange is one of the many historic venues in the town. The Grade I listed building was built in 1706 as a place for merchants who lived in Rochester and the surrounding areas to trade their produce. After the Great Depression of British Agriculture in the late 19th century, the venue’s use declined significantly. In fact, it was only in the 1960s that the corn exchange was eventually transformed into a gorgeous events space. Stunning chandeliers, intricately decorated ceilings and grand period columns add to the luxurious feel of this magnificent venue, making this the perfect setting to kick off this series of magical concerts by Candlelight.
After spreading its magic to cities all around the world including London, Paris and New York, Candlelight is heading to Rochester to dazzle audiences with stunning live music and the enchanting flicker of hundreds of candles. Make summer a memorable one with the help of a sensational Candlelight concert taking place in the stunning Rochester Corn Exchange this June.