The allure of a great movie soundtrack lies in its ability to become an integral part of the film’s legacy. It can create an immersive experience that transports us to specific moments in a scene or evoke emotions that are tied to the story. A memorable theme or melody can become synonymous with the characters and the story they inhabit, etching its way into popular culture. Coming to LA’s stunning venues including Skirball Cultural Center and Old Town Music Hall, is a series of Candlelight concerts celebrating the most iconic film and anime scores reimagined by a group of talented musicians.
You can live the full fan experience at these Candlelight tributes to the likes of Hans Zimmer, Joe Hisaishi, Ennio Morricone, and more, and be swept away by these classical renditions under the glow of hundreds of candles.
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The Best of Joe Hisaishi at Historic Woman’s Club
Starting off this tribute series is an evening celebrating the work of the great Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi. His music is often praised for its emotional depth and innovative blend of traditional and moder musical elements. His ability to create a musical language for anime is both unique and accessible, which has earned him a devoted following around the world.
Hisaishi is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, for whom he has scored many of Miyazaki’s most beloved films, including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke. You’ll get to listen to these theme songs and more this year at Historic Woman’s Club in Santa Monica.
The Best of Hans Zimmer at Skirball Cultural Center
Hans Zimmer is one of the most well-known composers of our time, having worked with many of the industry’s leading filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott and Ron Howard. His unique approach to film scoring has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including two Academy Awards and one BAFTA. He’s known for his use of unconventional instruments and blending electronic and orchestral elements to convey complex emotions and moods.
Zimmer’s composed music for over 150 films, ranging from epic blockbuster to intimate dramas, and this season you’ll savor the themes from Interstellar, Gladiator, Inception, Kung Fu Panda, among others.
Best Oscar Nominated Scores and Songs at Old Town Music Hall
Candlelight is also hosting an evening of best Oscar nominated scores and songs with its signature sea of candles. It’ll be a walk down memory lane for many film buffs as they’ll enjoy “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, “Skyfall” from James Bond: Skyfall, “Love Theme” from The Godfather, and more.
You’ll be spellbound by Henry Mancini’s “Moon River”, whose melody expresses a sense of longing and restlessness that define the movie’s protagonist Holly Golightly. The song perfectly captures the film’s tone of bittersweet romance, optimism and melancholy. You’ll feel a sense of premonition, as The Godfather’s “Love Theme” sounds at Old Town Music Hall, which conveys Michael Corleone’s emotions and his ill-fated love affair with Apollonia. You’ll be transported to the fictional nation of Wakanda, as Ludwig Göransson’s rhythmic theme from Black Panther entrances you with hauntingly beautiful melodies and powerful djembe and balafon beats.
100 Years of Warner Bros. at Warner Brothers Studio SJR Theater
Things are taking an even more dramatic twist with a Candlelight concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Taking place at Warner Brothers Studio SJR Theater, there’s no better setting to celebrate the works of the iconic film studios than at their own screening venue.
The music of some of the most famous films and TV shows of all time will come alive as Orchid Quartet perform instantly recognizable songs including “Purple Rain” and “Shallow.” You can relive every teary-eyed and action-packed on-screen moment from movies such as The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, Singin’ in the Rain and Batman at this extraordinary tribute to one of the most successful film studios in history.
A Tribute to Pedro Pascal’s Filmography at Skirball Cultural Center
The legendary Pedro Pascal is getting a dazzling Candlelight tribute at Skirball Cultural Center this summer. Since rising to prominence after starring in Game of Thrones in 2014, the star has since gained even more admirers thanks to the countless tweets and viral TikToks about the actor posted on social media.
At this candlelit concert, scores from movies and series that Pedro Pascal has appeared in including Narcos, The Last of Us and The Mandalorian will be performed by Orchid Quartet while hundreds of candles flicker away. From Mandalore to Westeros, you’ll be transported to magical worlds thanks to these breathtaking music performances and the enchanting glow of candlelight.
Immerse yourself in an evening of enchanting music celebrating your favorite soundtracks and anime themes. Candlelight is paying tribute to brilliant contemporary composers that have scored the soundtracks to our lives, including Hans Zimmer and Joe Hisaishi.
Whether you want to disconnect for an hour or so, or share this special evening with a loved one, you are guaranteed to be dazzled by these iconic scores that have become cultural phenomena at Santa Monica’s Historic Women’s Club, LA’s Skirball Cultural Center and Old Town Music Hall.
Note: For the safety of our audience, all of the candlelight will be provided through flameless candles.