Candlelight illuminated the inside of St. Ignatius Church on Thursday Oct. 2, but a different kind of worship was taking place. Fleetwood Mac enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike gathered in the Church to hear their favorite songs with a new sound. The sanctuary of sound became a stage for two violinists, a viola player and a cellist. The musicians were engulfed in realistic, moving LED candles that transformed the church into a romantic, magical scene.
The concert began with the hit “Everywhere” off of their 1987 album “Tango in the Night,” immediately immersing audience members into the world of Fleetwood Mac. Even without the lyrics, the music emulated the iconic folk rock sounds and encapsulated the love stories told in the original songs. The candles provided an elevated, unique experience for the audience. “I was really intrigued by the idea of just music and candlelight, like that multisensory experience of taking in both the sights and the sounds,” first time Candlelight attendee Beth Eiess said.
The musicians took turns in between songs sharing fun facts about the origins of the Fleetwood Mac tunes they were about to play. “They just played phenomenally, and I love how they talk about the songs and what the tidbits and facts are,” Yvonne Tinoco said. As they transitioned to the song “You Make Loving Fun,” musicians told the audience how it was written by band member Christine McVie about an affair she was having at the time. Each story thrust concert goers into the complex love lives and band dynamics that inspired the beloved songs.
The collaboration with the St. Ignatius Church provided a breathtaking backdrop to the already spectacular scenery. “The juxtaposition of Fleetwood Mac in a Roman Cathedral with just all of the contradictions and the beauty and the music made it much more cinematic, and it was really lovely,” Eiess said. St. Ignatius Church’s architecture has a mixture of Italian Renaissance and Baroque, while following the floor plans of a Roman Basilica. “Being in a church just made me have a beautiful feeling. It’s just really nice and soothing and I really enjoyed it a lot,” Tinoco said.
Fleetwood Mac’s emotional storytelling is one of the reasons they are so popular, and even without this element the Candlelight musicians were able to replicate those feelings. Attendees explained why they love the band, making them want to attend this tribute event. “I just love the way that they sing, and that they’ve been doing this in the 1960s to now, it’s just nice,” Tinoco said. Band members Stevie Nicks and Linsey Buckingham recently reunited to reissue their first album “Buckingham Nicks.” “I love the complexity of their songs and their composition,” Eiess said.
Concert goers had such a striking experience and they are excited to attend more events like this, and many have been to other Candlelight concerts. “We previously saw Adele, and that was my first one, and it was so awesome. I didn’t know what to expect. This time I did, but it still felt just as beautiful as the first time,” Tinoco said.
The experience provided by Candlelight concerts combines fan favorite artists with iconic sounds and classical music. The concert ended with an encore of the song “Dreams” from Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album “Rumours,” giving the perfect ending to a luminous night.
