On a warm, humid evening after navigating Mumbai’s rush-hour traffic snarls, you finally arrive at the Grand Hyatt in Bandra Kurla Complex. The sight that greets you is a magical one, with thousands of softly glowing candles brightening the venue and lifting your spirits immediately. This enchanting setting marks the debut of the globally renowned Candlelight Concert series in India, promising an unforgettable experience.
These Candlelight Concerts, an innovative concept by entertainment platform Fever, aim to transform the way audiences experience live music. By offering intimate and unique spaces, they hope to make music more accessible and less intimidating, particularly classical music. The inaugural concert in Mumbai exemplified this vision.
In a darkened room bathed in the soft glow of numerous candles, three accomplished musicians — saxophonist Shirish Malhotra, guitarist Nicholas Vaz, and drummer Bihu Mukherjee — took the stage. Their instrumental performances conveyed the powerful message that music without vocals can be immensely enjoyable, urging the audience to appreciate the often-overlooked beauty of instruments. Despite the general trend of giving more prominence to vocal performances, this concert highlighted the rich, emotive power of instrumental music.
The highlight of the evening was Shirish Malhotra’s versatility, which he displayed by switching from the saxophone to the flute to perform a few tracks. Drummer Bihu Mukherjee introduced Shirish’s multi-instrumental talents, noting that both musicians are associated with renowned music director Pritam. The trio catered to the diverse audience with a blend of classic and contemporary favorites. Their setlist included works by popular Indian composers such as A.R. Rahman, Vishal-Shekhar, Amit Trivedi, and Anirudh Ravichander. The intricate melodies and powerful rhythms struck a chord with the audience, creating a musically rich and emotionally resonant atmosphere.
The concert reached a crescendo with Shirish’s saxophone solos, evoking memories of jazz legends like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Stan Getz. Even within the Indian music landscape, the saxophone’s presence has dwindled since its peak in the 1970s and 1980s. Yet, this evening showcased its vast tonal range and enduring charm.
. By elevating the saxophone to a central role, the concert paid tribute to the instrument’s timeless appeal and nostalgia-evoking sound.
Fever launched the Candlelight Concerts in 2019, and since then, they have gained global popularity, with events held in over 150 cities worldwide. Hosted in stunning and often historical locations such as the Atomium in Brussels, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai, these concerts offer a one-of-a-kind auditory and visual experience.
Sebastien Garcia, Regional Manager, Live Experience at Fever, explained, “Though conceived as a classical music series featuring works of Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, we have constantly been adding themes and genres to reach a wider audience. We have concerts dedicated to the Beatles, ABBA, Coldplay, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin. We also celebrate modern-day sensations like Adele, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Beyoncé.”
Looking ahead, the prospects for Candlelight Concerts in India seem promising. Deepa Bajaj, Country Manager at Live Your City, which organizes these concerts in India, shared their exciting plans. “Imagine listening to ghazals and classical bandish surrounded by LED candles. We hope to bring light to our traditional arts too,” she enthused. The blending of Indian traditional music with the enchanting ambiance of Candlelight Concerts promises to offer a unique and soulful experience.
The Mumbai premiere not only set the stage but also the tone for what promises to be a delightful addition to India’s cultural landscape. Through exceptional musical performances and an intimate, candlelit setting, Candlelight Concerts aim to make music an inclusive experience.
As the last note fades and the final candle flickers, the audience leaves the Grand Hyatt with refreshed spirits and fond memories. The success of the debut concert augurs well for future events, highlighting that music, in its many forms, continues to be a universal language that transcends boundaries and unites hearts. The Candlelight Concerts have magnificently illuminated Mumbai’s music scene, paving the way for more enchanting nights to come.
