Candlelight Concert’s “The Nutcracker and Christmas Carols”

Originally published on social media on December 22nd, 2024

With it’s intimate candle lighting, @candlelight.concerts finds a way to both unite the community and offer individuals a place for quiet reflection. The candles (though electric) offer a respite from the cold bleak world and invite the imagination to soar. The Listeso String Quartet included “cold inspired” pieces like “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and “December” from Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons, and yet I felt so much warmth, passion, and joy.

Many people find classical music to be dry, sleepy, and boring, but if they experienced classical music the way the audience did this night, they would quickly change their minds. Much of the classical music experience relies on the way the musicians play — some choose to just get through the notes, while others allow their instruments to become their voice as they allow their body language to morph to the tone of the music. The first violinist and the cello player in Listeso String Quartet brought quality theatre to their performances. My family and I quietly giggled in glee over their facial expressions and interactions with one another. Watching them was pure delight.

The talent of the above mentioned string players was also proven during Vivaldi’s “Winter.” I’ve heard this piece played live one other time before and I found it exciting, but anxiety inducing. This time, I found it magical, full of emotion, and beautiful. I was amazed that in a Christmas concert that also featured my favorite, “The Nutcracker”, I walked away with Vivaldi’s “Winter” being my favorite piece of the night. True talent is shown when the musicians find a way to help you discover in something lovely in something you’ve previously judged…to change your mind and open your eyes. Wow!

We as the audience were invited to sing along to all the classic Christmas carols, and I loved the simplicity of the moment and the childlike enthusiasm we all embraced. I overheard two audience members after the show talk about an audience member who really sang the carols beautifully, and as a Christmas gift to myself, I am going to pretend they were talking about me.

I look forward to candlelight concerts in 2025.