Classical musicians play pop music by candlelight in Orlando

Classical musicians playing pop music by candlelight across Orlando

By Randy Rauch Orlando

UPDATED 8:18 AM ET Oct. 20, 2023 PUBLISHED 6:48 PM ET Oct. 16, 2023 PUBLISHED 6:48 PM EDT Oct. 16, 2023

WINTER PARK, Fla. — What happens when you combine very talented musicians and a room filled with thousands of candles?

What You Need To Know

Fever Candlelight Concerts are offered in a variety of venues around Orlando

Classically trained musicians play music by U2, Beyoncé, Queen, Radiohead and more

Musicians play your favorite songs surrounded by thousands of candles

For more information and concert locations, go to Fever Candlelight Concerts

It’s called a candlelight concert, and they have been happening around Orlando for the past year.

Candlelight concerts bring a live multi-sensory musical experience to locations where music has probably not been played before in some types of venues.

Classically trained violinist Sarah Williams of Orlando has been playing the violin since she was 4 years old and has been practicing nearly every day for the past 28 years.

“I think what I like the most is actually working with my colleagues. They are the most amazing people on the face of the planet,” Williams said.

Williams gets to play with her colleagues at venues like the Azalea Lodge at Mead Garden in Winter Park on Friday night, where they will play Halloween songs like "Thriller," "Time Warp" and the Adams Family theme song to a sold-out show.

“Being accessible to everyone means we might do a Beyoncé show. We have our Halloween show that we’re doing tonight. We have Pink Floyd; we have Radiohead,” she said.

What makes the show unique is the venue and the ambiance that comes from thousands of candles that surround the stage, the aisles, and often outside the building, depending on the location.

(Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

Terrance Dowdye is the show producer at the candlelight concert held at Mead Garden.

“There’s so many candles. It’s completely dark, and everything is only lit by candles. So, it really brings you in," Dowdye said. "It’s very immersive, it’s very warm. It feels very exciting, and you’re really excited with what you’re about to see.”

So how does this Yale graduate, who also serves as the assistant concertmaster at the Orlando Philharmonic, like playing pop culture music?

“If anything, it’s like a breath of fresh air to play some real fun music,” Williams said.

Prices range from $30 to $60, depending on the venue, program and zone.

Guests need to be at least 8 years old.

For more information, check out the Fever Candlelight Concerts.