Whether it’s a Hollywood movie, an anime or a video game, soundtracks are a crucial part of storytelling. They help to set the tone, evoke a range of emotions and can even signal transitions. Luckily, in recent years, film music has started to be viewed as an art form, resulting in a huge number of tribute concerts designed to pay homage to famous works.
This season, movie buffs and music lovers in Ottawa can relish in the nostalgic melodies of their favourite movie soundtracks at the upcoming Candlelight concerts. These performances take place at gorgeous locations across the city and honour the likes of Joe Hisaishi, Danny Elfman, and many more. Take your seat inside a beautifully candlelit auditorium and travel back to your favourite on-screen moments.
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Featured Candlelight soundtrack concert
Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
From composing breathtaking orchestral pieces like “View of Silence” and “The Wind of Life” to his countless collaborations with Studio Ghibli, Joe Hisaishi’s music is perfect for both casual listening and deep immersion. He has the ability to draw you in by following a very minimalistic style—nothing too flashy, just pure emotion and nostalgia.
The historic Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church is welcoming a tribute to the great Japanese maestro, where some of his best work will be recreated by the talented Listeso String Quartet. Take your seat in the heavenly venue and listen to “Merry Go Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle, “Path of the Wind” from My Neighbour Totoro, and many more, performed by warm candlelight.
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in Vancouver
Hearing your favourite theme songs or film scores at an intimate Candlelight concert is an original way to reintroduce yourself to the evocative weight they carry. Taking place at gorgeous venues across Vancouver like the historic Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church, you might discover something new about these emblematic works and the movies that they were featured in. Additionally, other renowned venues host soundtrack concerts from time to time, including the Orpheum and Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
Sense of time or place
Film music is particularly important when it comes to enhancing immersion. After all, if the filmmaker or composer chooses the right music, it can immediately draw the audience into the world of the film. For instance, if the story takes place in a desert, many movies use ethnic instruments to direct the audience to a particular cultural and historical context. The melodies tend to be more relaxed, mirroring the calmness and serenity of the desert.
Mood and atmosphere
Similarly, film scores can also set the tone of a particular scene. By using the right melodies, the filmmakers can hint at the viewers as to how they should feel. If you hear a melancholic tune, the mood is sad and nostalgic, but if you hear an upbeat and feel-good song, the viewer is more relaxed and knows that the situation is joyous.
A Fun Film Score Fact
The very first original score written for a movie was created by Romantic composer and organist Camille Saint-Saëns. The French artist wrote the score for the movie L’Assassinat du duc de Guise, a silent film that was released in 1908.