Halloween has become an important celebration in the largest city in Southwestern Ontario. Although spooky season is still a few months away, to many, it is the most exciting time of year so it’s always a great idea to plan ahead. Luckily, the Candlelight Halloween concerts are returning to London, ON with more tributes to creepy scores and compositions.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Some compositions become cultural touchstones, instantly recognisable and emotionally powerful across decades and genres. Danny Elfman’s Nightmare Before Christmas medley captures Jack Skellington’s journey through Burton’s gothic imagination, John Carpenter’s “Halloween” theme builds relentless psychological pressure through deceptively simple patterns, and Charles Gounod’s “Funeral March of a Marionette” provided Alfred Hitchcock with his signature television opening that announced impending doom.
The string quartet bridges different eras through their combination of classical technique and interpretive flexibility. Not only do they honour these spooky compositions, but also reveal new emotional depths. Additionally, Candlelight’s signature ambiance transforms any space into a mystery-filled concert hall where shadows dance to every ghostly note.
Candlelight at the Metropolitan United Church
Intricate stained glass windows and ornate woodwork define the Metropolitan United Church, which along with thousands of candles create a breathtaking setting. As light dances across the spacious nave and illuminates detailed stonework, the atmosphere becomes both intimate and mysterious, perfectly suited to the 60-minute concert. Doors open 30-45 minutes early, allowing guests to be fully enveloped in this enchanting ambiance.
When the string quartet performs “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saëns, “Ghostbusters Theme” by Ray Parker Jr., and Modest Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain”, the interplay of haunting melodies and candlelight creates a refined sense of spookiness. With demand high, planning early ensures you won’t miss one of the most popular Halloween experiences in London, ON.