A soundtrack truly has the power to make or break a movie or TV show—after all, Rose and Jack’s epic romance in Titanic wouldn’t feel the same without the iconic “My Heart Will Go On”, arguably one of the most famous theme songs of all time. The best scores heighten emotions and elevate scenes when we hear them, while lackluster compositions can leave audiences feeling pretty underwhelmed. To celebrate this essential audio layer of movie magic, tribute concerts to some of our favorite film soundtracks have been dazzling both music and movie lovers in Chicago for some time.
Cinema enthusiasts in Chicago can immerse themselves in captivating film music tributes thanks to the Candlelight concert series, a unique concert experience blending the magic of live music with cinematic nostalgia. Programs include enchanting performances like The Best of Joe Hisaishi, celebrating the iconic scores from Studio Ghibli films, and The Best of Bollywood and Tollywood, featuring melodies from some of South Asia’s most beloved cinematic masterpieces.
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Featured Candlelight soundtrack tribute concert
Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Every Regency-era debutante wannabe who was glued to every season of Bridgerton won’t want to miss the enchanting experience Candlelight has in store for Hobartians. A skilled string quartet will perform the hit series’, delivering a performance even Queen Charlotte couldn’t resist. With thousands of candles, instrumental covers of hits by Miley Cyrus, Sia, Billie Eilish, and more, plus a stunning setting, this event is the perfect recipe for elegance.
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in Chicago
Movie buffs won’t want to miss out on breathtaking Candlelight soundtrack concerts paying homage to iconic movie scores in Chicago this season. Watch how some of Chi-Town’s most remarkable venues, including Stan Mansion and Salvage One, light up with the flickering glow of thousands of candles and the soothing compositions of your favorite movie and series.
Even live orchestral accompaniments to movie screenings have taken place at Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park, and other orchestral performances of classic scores have found their way to Chicago Theatre.
When I’m writing film music, I feel like I’m more a filmmaker than a composer. – Jóhann Jóhannsson
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
Character Emotion
Film music can help set the mood, build tension and reveal the innermost thoughts of the character on screen. Scored by composer Justin Hurwitz, La La Land’s soundtrack reflects the roller coaster of emotions that the protagonists must be feeling as they try to pursue a successful career in Hollywood. It does this by incorporating vibrant jazzy tunes that are quickly followed by somber orchestral melodies.
Mood and Atmosphere
Nothing sets the scene in a movie quite like a film score. Take “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter for example. Orchestral string instruments played at a high pitch are used to create an air of mystery and magic, and every time we hear these mesmerizing melodies, we’re transported right back to the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter.
A Fun Film Score Fact
Who you gonna call when you have a bug problem? An exterminator, of course! While struggling to come up with a catchy theme tune for Ghostbusters, composer Ray Parker Jr. was watching TV when a bug exterminator ad came on. Something clicked, and well, the rest is movie history.