A Symphony of Emotions
Journey Beyond Borders 🌏 When Sounds Become Visual Experience
I never imagined those small flames and sounds could evoke such deep emotions. My first candlelight concert opened up a new world to me, a world where music isn't just heard but also seen.
I've collected three stories about candlelight concerts I experienced in Melbourne - from Christopher Nolan and Disney animations, to melodies from The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones - that have become an inseparable part of my journey.
📍 Melbourne, Australia | April 20, 2024
When Hans Zimmer's Sounds Touched My Soul by Candlelight
I discovered this concert through the Fever app. The variety of performances and experiences it offers always feels like a symphony of opportunities, and this time it managed to play the right chord in my heart.
The concept of a candlelight concert was like a familiar melody in the background. I had been exposed to it a year ago, but never stopped to listen.
This isn't just another series of performances, but a symphony of moments, where different musicians play in different venues, performing melodies on various themes.
That evening, the magic was revealed through the sounds of a special ensemble that managed to evoke memories and emotions with melodies from Christopher Nolan's films. Without prior knowledge, I entered Nolan's world through the door of music.
How can one ignore such performances when they play on the strings of sweet memories? I also purchased a ticket for a concert of Disney film melodies, inviting me back to childhood (which I'll tell you about later). I've also seen bands performing tributes to Queen, musical evenings featuring Coldplay songs, and the list goes on.
When I arrived at that concert, I didn't know what to expect, as the world of concerts was like a foreign language to me.
All my knowledge of classical music was limited to names like Beethoven and Mozart, and until that evening, I didn't know the stories that sounds could tell. Whole worlds of violins and cellos had been like musical secrets I hadn't been exposed to.
But that performance changed everything, turning each sound into a chapter in my personal story, leading me to understand the magic of classical music, which isn't just theory but an experience.
At the heart of the performance stood four musicians, two women and two men, presenting a symphony of harmony and passion. Three plucked sounds on their violins, while the fourth deepened the bass with a cello, breaking like sound waves in the space.
The venue itself breathed music, illuminated by electric candle flames, wax-like figures, setting the scene in a continuous, safe, and magical light. It felt as if each candle radiated a part of the story the music was about to tell, adding a visual layer to a melody not yet played.
The spot I chose, close to the stage, became a sort of personal cinema, where I could observe the subtleties of the performance, the delicate finger touches on the violin strings, the exchange of glances between the musicians, the concentration in their eyes, the gestures of each movement - music that is seen no less than heard.
Before each musical set, one musician explained the pieces about to be played. These introductions took us into the fantasy worlds behind the soundtracks, especially those from Hans Zimmer's musical magic. Each explanation was like an orchestra of words, an introduction to the musical experience about to unfold, and a connection to the cinematic journey about to begin.
I never thought music could make me experience so many emotions at once, to be moved and surrender simultaneously. From the first set, a flow of emotion spread through me, until I found myself with eyes full of tears. In my heart, I asked, "What's happening to me today?" But the answer was clear: "It's simply beautiful, it's so, so beautiful."
I understand that these sounds, which I had already heard through films, have now become a completely new experience. It was different; here the melody became clear, stood center stage, and appeared in all its glory.
This was the first time sounds became a visual experience, took shape, color, and life. I thought music could only be heard, but now I realize it has never looked so beautiful, and I absorb this image with all my senses.
It was like seeing music breathe. I saw how sounds are born from instruments, experienced the harmony created between them, and felt the relationships of each instrument with its bandmates.
I discovered things I didn't know about the most successful creations in the film industry.
In films like 'Inception' or 'Interstellar', I never truly understood the power of the music, the story it tells, until I saw the sounds created on stage.
I realized that a symphony can be created from a limited number of musicians, yet penetrate every cell in the body, seep into the bones, fill me with deep excitement, and bring me to real tears.
It felt like a renewed acquaintance with a world that has existed for a long time. Is it just me who missed this music all these years, or are there others who don't know this magic?
I wonder as my gaze follows the musicians in admiration. They're like magicians, reading the notes quickly, sending magic into the air with each touch of the violin and cello.
Do they understand their enormous impact on the audience, how they create emotions deep enough to bring tears to viewers like me? Does someone explain to them how amazing they are? Do their families know the pride they provide?
I sat there, touching the reality of immense experiences, feeling blessed and full of appreciation for the life I live. I understood at that moment that if I had continued on my familiar and safe path, I would never have encountered these treasures.
I experienced a moment of enlightenment, understanding that I'm holding life with both hands, letting it lead me into a journey of discoveries, note by note, step by step, into the infinity of music and the world.
📍 Melbourne, Australia | April 27, 2024
When Disney Melodies Met Aquarium Sharks
Ten days after my first candlelight concert, I went to the second one, this time at SEA LIFE - Melbourne's largest aquarium. The website mentioned that Disney film melodies would be played that evening, and that was enough for me to know I'd be there.
I took the light rail to the city, arrived at the huge complex, and was full of anticipation about what awaited me. It was already late, the place closed to the general public, and only a representative at the entrance opened the glass doors for me after I showed her my ticket.
She instructed me to continue walking straight, and inside the water maze, I started feeling confused, surrounded by fish of all kinds swimming beside me. Just when I thought I was completely lost, another representative directed me to go down the stairs after the sea turtles and turn right after the jellyfish. I thought I'd heard it all in my life.
I continued walking until I reached an area where special nocturnal creatures were revealed to me in all their glory. Jellyfish in every shape and hue, some glowing in ultraviolet light, created a sense of magic in the air. Then I noticed the arranged path of candles that created an atmosphere of pleasantness and warmth.
At the end of the path, I reached a circular space with a round stage in the center, surrounded by chairs. Around it, glass windows connected to a huge aquarium where sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and swordfish swam. The sight was spectacular and dizzying, and I didn't expect the performance to take place right under the water - everything felt like a vast and wonderful dream.
I sat there waiting for the show, fascinated by the living creatures around me. Here, too, four female musicians came on stage, three with violins and one with a cello. They began playing famous melodies from the films - the theme song from "Finding Nemo," "Let it Go" from "Frozen," the theme from "Moana," and other happy and light melodies.
Once again, I was amazed by the sounds that came from the instruments, but it was completely different from the previous time. This time, I saw and understood how bouncy and joyful sounds are created. I couldn't stop smiling, and even laughing, when I heard the tapping of the stick on the cello creating sounds like tiny footsteps. I understood the essence of the sounds I had heard many times in films.
Then came the moment when they played "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. This is the melody I know well from the film I watched so many times in my childhood. Although in my head it's dubbed in Hebrew, the melody is the spoken language here. The sounds penetrated deep within me, gave me goosebumps, and again managed to move me to tears. It's not the plot of the film that stands before my eyes, but an experience of a moving and wonderful melody in its own right.
Suddenly, I understood that these sounds are created from a wonderful harmony where the real magic happens, that the melody is an inseparable part of the film, and without it, the animation would look completely different.
As I looked at the fish swimming around, a question arose in me - are we disturbing them? Do they feel uncomfortable with the commotion happening here in the middle of the night, with the bright lights of the electric candles? Do they enjoy the music, or is it a nuisance to them, and they're just waiting for the moment when we'll turn off the lights and leave?
Maybe they're happy for some company. Maybe they too are excited by the sounds of the violin, like me.
At the end of one set, the cellist spoke about the power of music, its ability to blur the boundaries of time and space, and announced that we would now hear the famous melodies from the films "Inception" and "Interstellar." My heart skipped a beat with excitement! Since I heard these melodies at the first concert, they haven't left my head. I wake up with them, hum them throughout the day, and take them with me to sleep.
And here, I was about to hear them again, live! An uncontrollable excitement passed through me. I moved to my seat, preparing to surrender to the waves of excitement that would surely come. I listened attentively to the award-winning compositions, recognizing every note and getting excited anew.
But something was different this time. The melodies were familiar, but there was a new interpretation, different from the previous time I heard them.
The notes sounded faster, and instead of respecting the weight of the familiar moments of silence, it seemed the girls decided to fill these moments with additional notes. The tune was the same, but presented differently.
It seems each ensemble has its style, and the girls decided to take a lighter and more pleasant approach, less dramatic and deeper. They chose to bring the composer Hans Zimmer's works to the stage in their special way.
As in other aspects of my life, it's no coincidence that I'm currently watching the series "Lupin" on Netflix, where one episode deals precisely with the issue of making culture accessible to children.
In this episode, an oligarchic character tells how she grew up attending opera performances and museums, and therefore she establishes a foundation for children, believing that artistic inspiration should not be limited to a certain socio-economic layer.
This evoked deep identification in me, as throughout most of my life, I didn't truly understand the real meaning of 'culture.' I didn't understand how it can change lives, enrich the soul, and develop critical thinking and creativity. I thought culture meant passive consumption of films and performances by artists I like, but nothing beyond that.
Only recently has my approach changed. I've reached a stage in life where I'm surrounded by diverse cultural events, from which I draw inspiration. This is especially true in the most creative and meaningful period of my life. Now I understand how culture can be horizon-expanding, empowering, and teaching us about ourselves and the world around us.
Culture equips us to be better people, more involved, and more connected to others. It strengthens sensitivity to others and deepens our understanding and empathy towards others' experiences and feelings.
Therefore, it's important to make culture accessible to the entire population, to every boy and girl, so that everyone can enjoy the inspiration and enrichment it brings.
📍 Melbourne, Australia | January 27, 2025
How I Said Goodbye to Melbourne in a Magical Evening of Musical Wonder
I chose to celebrate my last evening in Melbourne in the most perfect way I could think of - a candlelight concert of my favorite melodies from "The Lord of the Rings" and "Game of Thrones." Two creations that accompanied me for years, with music etched in collective memory.
From previous experience with such concerts, I knew the best place was in the front row. I paid $85 for the ticket - double the price of the back seats, but I knew it would be worth every cent. Even though the ticket promised a spot in the front row, I arrived early to secure the perfect seat.
Already in the queue for entry, I felt the excitement: my stomach contracted and my heart beat strongly. I was surprised to find myself even more excited than at the previous concerts, perhaps because this time I knew exactly what magic awaited me.
The quartet took the stage - three violinists and one cellist. From my spot in the front row, I could see every small detail: the violin bows - the long, thin sticks used to play the strings, the drops of sweat on the musicians' foreheads, and the glances they exchanged.
The show opened with melodies from "The Lord of the Rings." The cheerful and folksy sounds of the Shire brought a smile to my face, reminding me of the joy and innocence of the hobbits. But when the orchestra moved to the Ring's theme, I felt my heart contract from the intensity of emotions and drama.
The first peak came with Pippin's song, "Edge of Night." The delicate and sad sounds penetrated deep into my heart, and I found myself on the verge of tears.
The transition to "Game of Thrones" melodies was perfect. We started with the melodies of the different houses - from the noble sounds of House Stark to the threatening power of House Lannister. When "The Rains of Castamere" came, I felt shivers throughout my body. The cello told the tragic story in deep sounds, and the violins added layers of tension and drama.
The cellist was completely immersed in the music, sweat glistening on his forehead under the candlelight. The three violinists moved in perfect harmony, as if they were one body with six hands. The connection between them was almost magical - a small glance or a subtle head movement was enough for everyone to know what to do.
To conclude, the performance came to the long-awaited moment - the famous opening theme of "Game of Thrones." This was the only piece they allowed to be filmed, and the video I shot commemorates this perfect moment.
Despite the previous concert, with Hans Zimmer's moving melodies, setting a particularly high bar, this evening was magical in its own way. It was a perfect way to say goodbye to Melbourne, and perhaps also perfect preparation for my next journey - a visit to the "Lord of the Rings" filming set in New Zealand.
When I left the hall, I felt like I had awakened from a dream. The music still played in my head, reminding me that sometimes the real magic is found not only in what we see, but in what we feel.
What started as curiosity for a concert in an unusual place turned into a journey that changed the way I experience work I've loved all my life. I realized that in an era of digital content and rapid consumption, there's immense value in live experiences that involve all the senses.
These performances taught me that sometimes we need to simply stop, listen, and feel music in a completely different way than I've known until today.
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Such a beautiful experience!