Coldplay by Candlelight: A Sky Full of Stars (and Strings!)

Coldplay. The name conjures images of vibrant stadium concerts, Chris Martin’s soaring vocals, and anthems that have soundtracked a generation. But imagine experiencing their music in a completely different light – or rather, candlelight.
Candlelight concerts have become a global phenomenon, offering unique and intimate experiences with classical music. And now, they’re taking on the iconic sounds of Coldplay. Picture this: a dimly lit venue, bathed in the warm glow of hundreds of candles, as a string quartet weaves its magic through Coldplay’s most beloved hits.
We have recently been performing a selection of Coldplay hits in the Fever Candlelight Concerts. Although we are a String Quartet in Kent, we also perform as a String Quartet, String Trio or even String Duo all over London and the South East. In the recent Candlelight Concerts, we have performed as a String Quartet in Sussex, specifically in Eastbourne Old Chapel.

Why Coldplay Works So Well with Strings

At first glance, Coldplay’s stadium rock might seem an unlikely match for the delicate sounds of a string quartet. But beneath the electric guitars and drums lie beautifully crafted melodies and harmonies that lend themselves perfectly to classical interpretation.

Think about the soaring emotion of “Fix You,” the anthemic power of “Viva La Vida,” or the delicate beauty of “The Scientist.” These songs, stripped back to their core elements, reveal a timeless quality that resonates even more deeply when played on strings. The cello adds a rich, melancholic depth, while the violins soar and intertwine, creating a tapestry of sound that is both familiar and brand new.

A Unique and Intimate Experience

The candlelight setting adds another layer of magic to the experience. The flickering flames create an intimate and atmospheric ambiance, drawing the audience into the music in a way that a traditional concert setting simply can’t replicate. It’s a chance to connect with Coldplay’s music on a more personal level, hearing nuances and subtleties that might be missed in a larger venue.

What to Expect

A typical “Coldplay by Candlelight” concert will feature a selection of the band’s greatest hits, carefully arranged for string quartet. You can expect to hear classics like:

  • Yellow: The song that launched Coldplay into the stratosphere, its iconic melody sounding even more poignant on strings.
  • Clocks: The driving piano riff translated into a captivating string arrangement.
  • Paradise: The uplifting anthem transformed into a moment of pure beauty.
  • The Scientist: The heart-wrenching ballad given a new layer of emotional depth.

And many more! The exact setlist may vary depending on the specific concert, but you can be sure to hear a mix of Coldplay’s most loved songs.

More Than Just a Tribute

These concerts are more than just a tribute act. They offer a fresh perspective on Coldplay’s music, highlighting the songwriting genius that has made them one of the most popular bands in the world. Whether you’re a die-hard Coldplay fan or simply appreciate beautiful music in a unique setting, “Coldplay by Candlelight” is an experience not to be missed.

Why not get a feel for the sound of pop music on strings, by listening to some of our soundclips? We also play for many weddings and other events!

Have you experienced a candlelight concert? Are you a Coldplay fan? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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January 14th, 2025|Uncategorized|

Recording in Kingston, London

Premeire String Duo were delighted to be involved in a recording project with sound engineer and studio owner Jim Hawkins. His professional studio is located in Kingston. The String Duo were hired to play string parts to enhance a track created by David Bromley. With only two instruments, our String Duo we were able to create a large string sound. Originally the parts were written for string quartet, 2 violins, viola and cello, this was over-dubbed to create a full string orchestra sound. Jim arranged the strings parts for the duo so as soon as we arrived in the studios we were able to start recording.

Further information about Jim Hawkins and his studio can be found on his website; http://james-hawkins-music.co.uk/

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September 16th, 2013|About us, Ensembles, Events, Performances, Recording, Uncategorized|

String Duo for a wedding at Leeds Castle

rPremiere String Duo were recently booked to perform for a wedding at Leeds Castle which is near Maidstone in Kent. Being quite a small wedding, the room was again too big for a wedding string quartet so a string trio or string duo were the options we advised. The couple decided to opt for the Duo as their number of guests was relatively small. We began by playing the guests in to the ceremony room which was a wonderful old room full of antiques and amazing artwork. The Bride had chosen to walk in to Pachelbel Canon in D. As usual we provided some music for the signing of the register and the traditional Wedding March by Mendelssohn for the exit. After the ceremony we moved rooms (just next door!) the the Old Library to provide entertainment for the assembled guests during the drinks reception. We performed a selection of our pop covers which we have made string arrangements of. These included Paradise by Coldplay, Kiss from a Rose by Seal and more from our selection of Modern Songs for Strings.
As the guests left the room for the Wedding Breakfast (which smelt amazing!) we discreetly packed away and left after another enjoyable afternoon.

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March 2nd, 2013|Uncategorized|