I had the pleasure of attending a Candlelight Concert featuring the music of Joe Hisaishi, best known for composing the scores behind many Studio Ghibli films. It was a thoughtfully done evening that felt calm, intentional, and special without trying too hard.
If you are not super familiar with Studio Ghibli, you may still know some of the movies. Films like Spirited Away, Ponyo, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro are known for being visually beautiful but also emotionally grounded, with Joe Hisaishi’s music playing a major role in shaping that feeling. His scores are soft, nostalgic, and expressive in a way that sticks with you, even if you cannot name the piece right away.
The concert was held at Marble Collegiate Church, which ended up being a perfect venue for this kind of performance. Seating is first come, first serve within your assigned section (A, B, or C), so getting there a bit early is worth it. Once the performance starts, photography and videography are paused until the final song, which honestly made it easier to stay present and just enjoy the music.
The setup was simple but really effective. The church was filled with hundreds of candles and the performers sat center stage surrounded by a warm glow. Before or after each piece, the musicians shared a little context about the song, which film it came from, and why they chose it. That extra explanation helped connect the music to the stories behind it, especially for anyone who might not know the films well.
What stood out most was how clearly you could hear each musician while still feeling how well everything blended together. If you focused, you could pick out individual parts, but the overall sound felt cohesive and easy to sink into. Some moments were light and joyful, others were more emotional. There were definitely times I caught myself smiling, and a few moments that felt quietly moving in a way that sneaks up on you.
One thing I really appreciated is how wide the range of Candlelight Concerts actually is. This one focused on Studio Ghibli, but they offer so many different themes depending on what you’re into. There are film score nights featuring composers like Hans Zimmer, classical programs centered around composers like Antonio Vivaldi, and fun crossover concerts like Queen vs ABBA.
They also host musical “journey” style concerts that move from Bach to The Beatles, along with themed nights inspired by movie and TV soundtracks like The Lord of the Rings and Bridgerton. On the more modern side, there are string-arranged tributes to artists like Coldplay, Adele, and Taylor Swift, plus even unexpected options like 90s hip hop on strings. It makes the whole concept feel really accessible, even if you’re not someone who normally goes to classical concerts.
Overall, the concert was well structured and thoughtfully presented. The venue and musical selections created a respectful atmosphere that supports attentive listening and learning, while blending music, storytelling, and visual impact in a way that feels accessible. By the end of the experience, I was already thinking about which Candlelight Concert I might attend next!
