You've likely encountered numerous ads for Candlelight Concerts across the digital realm. These concerts present a diverse range of music, spanning from classical masterpieces to contemporary pop tunes, all meticulously arranged for string quartets and performed on stages adorned with candles. I recall stumbling upon one such advertisement a few weeks ago. It was for a concert titled "The Best of Joe Hisaishi." Hisaishi stands out as one of the most renowned Japanese composers today, having achieved global fame through his scores for Studio Ghibli films. As a devoted fan of both the films and the music, I promptly purchased a ticket.

December 4, 2024: A Candlelit Evening at the Luminary Arts Center

The Candlelight Concert took place on December 4, 2024, at the Luminary Arts Center in Minneapolis. This former warehouse, which was transformed by the Guthrie into a laboratory theater space, was acquired by the Minnesota Opera in 2022. In addition to hosting these Candlelight Concerts, it has also been the venue for Fringe Festival productions. The Luminary Arts Center offers a cozy atmosphere, with a capacity of fewer than 250 audience members. The audience finds themselves seated close to the stage, and with the stage illuminated only by the soft, flickering glow of (LED) candles, the show becomes an incredibly intimate experience.A string quartet graced the stage, playing selections from a variety of Ghibli films such as "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," "My Neighbor Totoro," and director Hayao Miyazaki's most recent "final" film, "The Wind Rises." They also included one song from "Kikujiro," a live-action film for which Hisaishi composed the score. The songs were expertly arranged for strings, and the group from the LISTESO Music Group delivered a superb performance. What made the concert even more enjoyable was the first violinist, who was a passionate fan of Studio Ghibli films and shared a wealth of interesting information between sets.

Joe Hisaishi's Musical Journey

Joe Hisaishi's music has left an indelible mark on the world. His compositions for Studio Ghibli films have a unique charm that transports listeners to different worlds. The selection of songs performed at the Candlelight Concert showcased his versatility as a composer. From the epic melodies of "Nausicaä" to the gentle tunes of "My Neighbor Totoro," each piece held a special place in the hearts of the audience. Hisaishi's ability to create music that evokes emotions and captures the essence of the films is truly remarkable.The first violinist's enthusiasm for Hisaishi's work added an extra layer of excitement to the concert. Their insights and stories about the films and the music enhanced the overall experience, making it a memorable evening for all.

Fever's Live Show Productions

Fever, the company behind these Candlelight Concerts and many other live shows across the country, stages events in several locations around Minneapolis. Their commitment to bringing unique and immersive experiences to audiences is evident in the variety of themes they offer. In addition to the Joe Hisaishi concert, music from other genres and themes will also grace the stage. For example, on January 10, 2025, the music of Joe Hisaishi will return to the same venue. Upcoming themes include Christmas, "Bridgerton," "Lord of the Rings/Game of Thrones," and hip-hop. This wide range of options allows music lovers to explore different musical styles and immerse themselves in various atmospheres.If you come across a type of music that appeals to you, don't hesitate to give these concerts a try. They provide a wonderful, relaxing way to spend an evening, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and be transported to a world of music and beauty.